Implementing Delirium Screening in an Intermediate Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Delirium affects up to 82% of hospitalized patients.
• Early detection and management of delirium are crucial to mitigate adverse effects, such as patient falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) tool in an intermediate care unit.
• To measure delirium screening compliance, tool feasibility, and impact on patient falls.

Main Methods:

• Web-based training on the CAM tool was provided to nurses.
• The CAM tool was integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) for documentation.
• Nurse perception surveys and pre- and post-intervention patient fall data were collected.

Main Results:

• Delirium screening compliance reached 79.1% after EHR integration.
• Nurses found the CAM screening to be a feasible intervention.
• A 57% reduction in patient falls was observed post-implementation.

Conclusions:

• Integrating the CAM tool into the EHR improved delirium screening compliance.
• Early delirium detection through feasible tools like the CAM may effectively reduce patient falls.