Abstract
Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by an acute fluctuation in attention and cognition and affects approximately one quarter of older patients admitted to hospital (1) (2). Delirium results in increased length of stay, increased risk of long-term cognitive impairment, increased mortality, and results in significant patient and carer distress (3) (4) (5). Electronic patient records for adults admitted to the Frailty Acute Medical Unit (fAMU) at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary from 2022 to 2024 were reviewed to assess whether delirium was identified, and whether this was discussed with patients’ carers. Interventions were implemented with the aim of improving communication about delirium early in admission amongst staff and carers. This included raising awareness via World Delirium Day, educational posters, carer leaflets and certificate incentives for staff. Data collection was repeated following each new intervention introduced. As a result, there was an increase in the frequency of conversations had with carers. Through facilitating discussions about delirium, the aim is to improve carers’ recognition and understanding. This would enable earlier supported discharges into a more familiar or appropriate environment utilising the Virtual Frailty Ward. Better understanding also leads to reduced delirium-related distress amongst carers (3). Carers can take a more active role in the prevention and management of delirium; identifying common triggers, regular reassurance, reorientation to time and place, and redirection. Future work should focus on the relationship between improved carer communication and its impact on reducing patients’ length of stay.
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