Prevention and Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT): A Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge, Cluster...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Delirium is a common, costly complication in older hospitalized adults.
• Carers play a vital role in early delirium detection and prevention.
• The PREDICT toolkit educates carers on delirium management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness, implementation, and cost-benefit of the PREDICT toolkit in hospital settings.
• To evaluate the impact of PREDICT on carer and staff knowledge, caregiving stress, and health service outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (SW-cRCT) was employed.
• The study included a cohort study, healthcare service evaluation, and process evaluation.
• Outcomes measured included delirium incidence, length of stay, readmissions, carer stress, and cost-benefit.

Main Results:

• The PREDICT toolkit demonstrated acceptability and feasibility in a pilot study.
• Further results from the SW-cRCT are pending evaluation of effectiveness and cost-benefit.

Conclusions:

• PREDICT is a scalable, person-centered model for delirium management.
• It supports both patients and their carers, with potential to embed best practices into routine healthcare.