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Management of delirium in medicine: experience of a Close Observation Unit
Eamonn Eeles1, Leah Thompson, Judy McCrow
1The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. eamonn_eeles@health.qld.gov.au
Aim:
A new model of care for the management of patients with delirium was developed and evaluated.
Method:
A four-bedded Close Observation Unit (COU) was introduced. The model comprised education for assistants in nursing (AINs), environmental adaptations and AIN-to-patient ratio of 1:4. Outcomes in all patients with delirium before and after introduction of the new model of care were compared.
Results:
One hundred and five patients were admitted to COU, of whom 100 (95%) were diagnosed with delirium. In-hospital mortality improved after introduction of the unit (15% vs 5%; P = 0.002) without significant change in length of stay, discharge destination or falls frequency.
Conclusion:
A dedicated unit for delirium management within medicine achieved a reduction in mortality.
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