Delirium optimization with volunteer engagement (DOVE): a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Hospital Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• In-hospital delirium is a common complication affecting patient outcomes.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial, especially during staffing shortages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Delirium Optimization with Volunteer Engagement (DOVE) program in preventing in-hospital delirium.
• To assess a humanities-based volunteer intervention for delirium prevention.

Main Methods:

• Volunteers delivered structured, humanities-based interventions to at-risk patients identified by the Delirium Risk Assessment (DRA) score.
• Data were retrospectively collected and compared to a matched control cohort.
• Delirium occurrence was determined using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) or clinician documentation.

Main Results:

• The DOVE cohort showed a lower incidence of in-hospital delirium compared to the control cohort (46.8% vs 56.7%, p=0.015).
• DOVE intervention was associated with a significantly lower odds ratio for delirium (OR=0.55, p=0.015).
• Subgroup analysis for high-risk patients (DRA score 3-4) also suggested a potential benefit (OR=0.56, p=0.053).

Conclusions:

• The DOVE program demonstrated a significant reduction in in-hospital delirium occurrence.
• Humanities-based volunteer interventions are a feasible and effective strategy for delirium prevention.
• The DOVE model warrants consideration for broader implementation in healthcare settings.