CogChamps - a model of implementing evidence-based care in hospitals: study protocol

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Nursing Education
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Delirium and dementia (cognitive impairment; CI) are prevalent in older hospital patients, leading to adverse outcomes.
• Inadequate nurse education contributes to underrecognition and suboptimal care for CI patients.
• Effective strategies for increasing nurse awareness and implementing best practices for CI are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a multi-component, non-pharmacological intervention to improve care for hospital patients with CI.
• To enhance nurses' capacity in recognizing, preventing, and managing delirium and dementia.
• To identify effective aspects of the intervention for practice change.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing implementation science principles, focusing on facilitation for knowledge uptake.
• Establishing a 'Cognition Champions' (CogChamps) program where experienced nurses receive training and mentor colleagues.
• Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to assess process, impact, and outcomes of the intervention across six hospital wards.

Main Results:

• The study protocol describes the implementation of an evidence-based intervention.
• The intervention involves educating and mentoring nurses to improve care for older patients with CI.
• Data collection will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention components.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform future initiatives to enhance nursing workforce capacity in managing CI.
• The study aims to improve the quality of care for older hospital patients with cognitive impairment.
• This research supports the adoption of best practices for CI patient care in acute settings.