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Nydahl P, Liu K, Bellelli G, Benbenishty J, van den Boogaard M, Caplan G, Chung CR, Elhadi M, Gurjar M, Heras-La Calle G, Hoffmann M, Jeitziner MM, Krewulak K, Mailhot T, Morandi A, Nawa RK, Oh ES, Collet MO, Paulino MC, Lindroth H, von Haken R. A world-wide study on delirium assessments and presence of protocols. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae129. [PMID: 38952186 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is a common complication of older people in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. OBJECTIVE To assess the worldwide use of validated delirium assessment tools and the presence of delirium management protocols. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a worldwide one-day point prevalence study on World Delirium Awareness Day, 15 March 2023. SETTING Cross-sectional online survey including hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities. METHODS Participating clinicians reported data on delirium, the presence of protocols, delirium assessments, delirium-awareness interventions, non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and ward/unit-specific barriers. RESULTS Data from 44 countries, 1664 wards/units and 36 048 patients were analysed. Validated delirium assessments were used in 66.7% (n = 1110) of wards/units, 18.6% (n = 310) used personal judgement or no assessment, and 10% (n = 166) used other assessment methods. A delirium management protocol was reported in 66.8% (n = 1094) of wards/units. The presence of protocols for delirium management varied across continents, ranging from 21.6% (on 21/97 wards/units) in Africa to 90.4% (235/260) in Australia, similar to the use of validated delirium assessments with 29.6% (29/98) in Africa to 93.5% (116/124) in North America. Wards/units with a delirium management protocol [n = 1094/1664, 66.8%] were more likely to use a validated delirium test than those without a protocol [odds ratio 6.97 (95% confidence interval 5.289-9.185)]. The presence of a delirium protocol increased the chances for valid delirium assessment and, likely, evidence-based interventions. CONCLUSION Wards/units that reported the presence of delirium management protocols had a higher probability of using validated delirium assessments tools to assess for delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nydahl
- Nursing Research, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Nursing Science and Development, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Keibun Liu
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, 627 Rode Rd, Chermside QLD 4032, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia QLD, 4067, Queensland, Australia
- Non-Profit Organization ICU Collaboration Network (ICON), 2-15-13 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Giuseppe Bellelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
- Acute Geriatric Unit, IRCCS San Gerardo Foundation, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Julie Benbenishty
- Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine School of Nursing, PO Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Mark van den Boogaard
- Department Intensive Care, Radboud University Medical Center, 10 Geert Grooteplein Zuid, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gideon Caplan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital Sydney, 320-346 Barker St, Randwick NSW 2031, Sydney, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Gate 9, High St, The Chancellery Kensington, 2052, NSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Chi Ryang Chung
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-Ro Gangnam-gu. Seoul, Korea 06351, South Korea
| | - Muhammed Elhadi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, University Road, Al-Furnaje Tripoli, PO Box 13932, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohan Gurjar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow-226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gabi Heras-La Calle
- Director of the International Research Project for the Humanization of Intensive Care Units (Proyecto HU-CI), Madrid, Spain
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jaén, Av. del Ejército Español, 10, 23007 Jaén, Spain
| | - Magdalena Hoffmann
- Research Unit for Safety and Sustainability in Healthcare, c/o Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Marie-Madlen Jeitziner
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Nursing Science (INS), Department of Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Postfach, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karla Krewulak
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alberta Health Services and University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tanya Mailhot
- Montreal Heart Institute Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, 680 Sherbrooke West, Montreal QC, H3A 2M7, Canada
| | - Alessandro Morandi
- Intermediate Care and Rehabilitation, Azienda Speciale Cremona Solidale, Via Brescia 207, 26100 Cremona, Italy
- Parc Sanitari Per Vergili, Val d'Hebron Institute of Research, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Kenji Nawa
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Av. Albert Einstein, 627, São Paulo, SP 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Esther S Oh
- Departments of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, MD 21205 Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Marie O Collet
- Department of Intensive Care, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Carolina Paulino
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital da Luz Lisboa, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, New University of Lisbon, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital de São Francisco Xavier, CHLO, 1500-650 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heidi Lindroth
- Division of Nursing Research, Department of Nursing, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1101 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Rebecca von Haken
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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la Cour KN, Andersen-Ranberg NC, Mortensen C, Poulsen LM, Mathiesen O, Egerod I, Collet M. Patient recall of intensive care delirium: A qualitative investigation. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2024. [PMID: 38850120 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) experience delirium. Understanding the patient perspective of delirium is important to improve care and reduce suffering. The aim of our study was to investigate the subjective patient experience of delirium, delirium-related distress, and delirium management in ICU. METHODS Our study had a qualitative multicenter design applying individual interviews and thematic analysis. Participants were critically ill adult patients that were determined delirium positive according to validated delirium screening tools during ICU admission. The interviews were conducted after ICU discharge when patients were delirium-free as assessed by the "Rapid clinical test for delirium" (4AT) and able to participate in an interview. RESULTS We interviewed 30 patients choosing the main themes deductively: Delirium experience; Delirium related distress; and Delirium management. Despite variations in recollection detail, ICU survivors consistently reported delirium-related distress during and after their ICU stay, manifesting as temporal confusion, misinterpretations, and a sense of distrust towards ICU staff. Delusions were characterized by a blend of factual and fictional elements. Impaired short-term memory hindered communication and intensified feelings of isolation, neglect, and loss of control. CONCLUSION The ICU survivors in our study recalled delirium as an unpleasant and frightening experience, often leading to delirium-related distress during and after their ICU stay, indicating the necessity for enhanced assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine N la Cour
- Zealand University Hospital, Centre for Anaesthesiological Research, Koge, Denmark
| | | | - Camilla Mortensen
- Zealand University Hospital, Centre for Anaesthesiological Research, Koge, Denmark
| | - Lone M Poulsen
- Zealand University Hospital, Centre for Anaesthesiological Research, Koge, Denmark
| | - Ole Mathiesen
- Zealand University Hospital, Centre for Anaesthesiological Research, Koge, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ingrid Egerod
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Collet
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Oldham MA, Heinrich T, Luccarelli J. Requesting That Delirium Achieve Parity With Acute Encephalopathy in the MS-DRG System. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2024; 65:302-312. [PMID: 38503671 PMCID: PMC11179982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Since 2007, the Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups classification system has favored billing codes for acute encephalopathy over delirium codes in determining hospital reimbursement and several quality-of-care value metrics, despite broad overlap between these sets of diagnostic codes. Toxic and metabolic encephalopathy codes are designated as major complication or comorbidity, whereas causally specified delirium codes are designated as complication or comorbidity and thus associated with a lower reimbursement and lesser impact on value metrics. The authors led a submission to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requesting that causally specified delirium be designated major complication or comorbidity alongside toxic and metabolic encephalopathy. Delirium warrants reclassification because it satisfies U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' guiding principles for re-evaluating Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group severity levels. Delirium: (1) has a bidirectional relationship with the permanent condition of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder per DSM-5-TR), (2) indexes vulnerability across populations, (3) impacts healthcare systems across levels of care, (4) complicates postoperative recovery, (5) consigns patients to higher levels of care, (6) impedes patient engagement in care, (7) has several recent treatment guidelines, (8) often indicates neuronal/brain injury, and (9) represents a common expression of terminal illness. The proposal's impact was explored using the 2019 National Inpatient Sample, which suggested that increasing delirium's complexity designation would lead to an upcoding of less than 1% of eligible discharges. Parity for delirium is essential to enhancing awareness of delirium's clinical and economic costs. Appreciating delirium's impact would encourage delirium prevention and screening efforts, thereby mitigating its dire outcomes for patients, families, and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Oldham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
| | - Thomas Heinrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - James Luccarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Oldham MA, Weber MT. The phenotype of delirium based on a close reading of diagnostic criteria. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e6046. [PMID: 38146182 PMCID: PMC10763520 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although delirium is well known to acute care clinicians, the features required for its diagnosis and how to understand and operationalize them remain sticking points in the field. To clarify the delirium phenotype, we present a close reading of past and current sets of delirium diagnostic criteria. METHODS We first differentiate the delirium syndrome (i.e., features evaluated at bedside) from additional criteria required for diagnosis. Next, we align related features across diagnostic systems and examine them in context to determine intent. Where criteria are ambiguous, we review common delirium instruments to illustrate how they have been interpreted. RESULTS An acute disturbance in attention is universally attested across diagnostic systems. A second core feature denotes confusion and has been included across systems as disturbance in awareness, impaired consciousness, and thought disorganization. This feature may be better understood as a disturbance in thought clarity and operationalized in terms of neuropsychological domains thereby clearly linking it to global neurocognitive disturbance. Altered level of activity describes a third core feature, including motor and sleep/wake cycle disturbances. Excluding stupor (wherein mental content cannot be assessed due to reduced arousal) from delirium, as in DSM-5-TR, is appropriate for a psychiatric diagnosis, but the brain injury exclusion in ICD-11 is unjustified. CONCLUSIONS The delirium phenotype involves a disturbance in attention, qualitative thought clarity, and quantitative activity level, including in relation to expected sleep/wake cycles. Future diagnostic systems should include a severity threshold and specify that delirium diagnosis refers to a 24-h period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Oldham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Miriam T. Weber
- Department of Neurology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center
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Falk A, Stenman M, Kåhlin J, Hultgren R, Nymark C. Suffering in silence - Cardiac surgery patients recalling hypoactive delirium a qualitative descriptive study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2023; 79:103493. [PMID: 37480700 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Postoperative delirium affects up to 50% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Delirium phenotypes are commonly divided into hyperactive and hypoactive, with hypoactive symptoms (reduced motor activity and withdrawal) often being overlooked due to their discreet character. Although the consequences of hypoactive delirium are severe, studies focusing on patients' experiences of hypoactive delirium are scarce. The aim of the study was to describe cardiac surgery patients' experiences of hypoactive delirium. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN We used qualitative descriptive semi-structured interviews with an inductive, latent approach. Twelve patients with hypoactive symptoms of delirium after cardiac surgery were purposefully selected. Interview data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS Two themes based on eight sub-themes emerged. "Dream or reality in parallel worlds" included disturbing experiences of existing in parallel realities with cognitive effects, residual nightmares, and illusions that occasionally persisted after hospital discharge. "Managing the state of hypoactive delirium" included experiences of intellectually dealing with hypoactive delirium with assumptions of causes and cures, and through interactions like communicating with others. CONCLUSION Participants experienced hypoactive delirium as extensive and long-lasting with perceptions of existing in parallel realities. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to have expertise in hypoactive delirium and its fluctuating course, as the delirium of many patients may be undetected and undiagnosed. Improving the use of screening tools for clinical practice is essential for the detection of hypoactive delirium, and a person-centred approach is needed to properly care for this group of patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE The challenges in the recognition of hypoactive delirium need to be emphasized because the syndrome is still overlooked. The use of screening tools in clinical practice is essential. A person-centred approach supports relationships between delirious patients and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Falk
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, L1:00, Anna Steckséns gata 53, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care Function E7:67, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Malin Stenman
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, L1:00, Anna Steckséns gata 53, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care Function E7:67, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica Kåhlin
- Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care Function E7:67, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Rebecka Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, L1:00, Anna Steckséns gata 53, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Vascular Surgery, C9:27, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carolin Nymark
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, SE-141 52 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Meyer G, Mauch M, Seeger Y, Burckhardt M. Experiences of relatives of patients with delirium due to an acute health event - A systematic review of qualitative studies. Appl Nurs Res 2023; 73:151722. [PMID: 37722790 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2023.151722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate relatives' experience of delirium due to an acute health event in a loved person and to compile practical suggestions for health care professionals from these synthesized results. BACKGROUND Delirium resulting from an acute health event places patients at increased risk for prolonged hospitalization and mortality. A delirium episode also affects family members who may assist in the diagnosis and recovery from this condition. INCLUSION CRITERIA Qualitative studies of family members or other caregivers who witnessed patient delirium in a clinical setting were included if they had appropriate verbatim evidence. Studies dealing exclusively with delirium in the context of dementia, cancer, palliative care, or drug dependence were excluded, and if quotes could not be clearly allocated to relatives. METHODS A systematic review of qualitative studies adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach. A systematic literature search was conducted in CINAHL complete®, MEDLINE®, and several dissertation databases in September 2022. RESULTS Eight qualitative studies based on semi-structured interviews were included. In total 75 findings from 105 relatives were aggregated into 13 categories. Finally, three synthesized findings reveal suggestions for health care professionals: providing information adequately, communication and integration during health care and understanding relatives' perspective on delirium experience. CONCLUSION The identified burdens and needs of relatives should be considered by health care professionals to enhance the delirium experience for them, thus improving patient care by involving relatives with a better understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Meyer
- Department health and nursing science, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, Tübinger Straße 33, 70178 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Melanie Mauch
- German Society for Wound Healing and Wound Treatment, Glaubrechtstraße 7, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Seeger
- Department health and nursing science, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, Tübinger Straße 33, 70178 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Burckhardt
- Department health and nursing science, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, Tübinger Straße 33, 70178 Stuttgart, Germany.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Delirium is a common neurocognitive disorder among hospitalized older adults, and it can have devastating effects. The purpose of this article is to inform NPs in the hospital setting to recognize, prevent, and manage delirium in older adults. The roles of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Blodgett
- Thomas J. Blodgett is an assistant professor at Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, N.C
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Poikajärvi S, Rauta S, Salanterä S, Junttila K. Delirium in a surgical context from a nursing perspective: A hybrid concept analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2022; 4:100103. [PMID: 38745600 PMCID: PMC11080469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The term delirium has been defined in medical diagnosis criteria as a multidimensional disorder, and the term acute confusion is included in nursing classifications. Delirium can be a serious complication assessed in a patient after a surgical procedure. Still, the patient's delirium frequently remains unrecognised. Care of patients with delirium after surgical procedure is complex, and it challenges nursing expertise. From the nurses' viewpoint, delirium is associated with ambiguity of concepts and lack of knowledge. Therefore, reseach on how nurses perceive patients with delirium in a surgical context is needed. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the concepts of delirium and acute confusion, as well as the associated dimensions, in adult patients in a surgical context from the nursing perspective. Design The study used Schwartz and Barcott's hybrid concept analysis with theoretical, fieldwork, and final analytical phases. Settings Surgical wards, surgical intensive care units, and post-anaesthesia care units. Data sources A systematic literature search was performed through Pubmed (Medline), Cinahl, PsycInfo, and Embase. Participants Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses (n = 105) participated in the fieldwork phase. Methods In the theoretical phase, the concepts' working definitions were formulated based on a systematic literature search with the year limitations from 2000 until February 2021. At the fieldwork phase, the nurses' descriptions of patients with delirium were analysed using the deductive content analysis method. At the final analytical phase, findings were combined and reported. Results The concepts of delirium, subsyndromal delirium, and acute confusion are well defined in the literature. From the perspective of the nurses in the study, concepts were seen as a continuum not as individual diagnoses. Nurses described the continuum of delirium as a process with acute onset, duration, and recovery with the associated dimensions of symptoms, symptom severity, risk factors, and early signs. The acute phase of delirium was emphasised, and preoperative or prolonged disturbance did not seem to be relevant in the surgical care context. Patients' compliance with care may be decreased with the continuum of delirium, which might challenge both patients' recovery from surgery and the quality of nursing care. Conclusions In clinical practice the nurses used term confusion inaccurately. The term acute confusion might be used when illustrating an early stage of delirium. Nurses could benefit from further education where the theoretical knowledge is combined with the clinical practice. The discussion about the delirium, which covers the time both before surgery and after the acute phase should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Poikajärvi
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Perioperative, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Rauta
- Department of Perioperative, Intensive Care, and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Salanterä
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kristiina Junttila
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Nursing Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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MacLullich AMJ, Hosie A, Tieges Z, Davis DHJ. Three key areas in progressing delirium practice and knowledge: recognition and relief of distress, new directions in delirium epidemiology and developing better research assessments. Age Ageing 2022; 51:afac271. [PMID: 36441120 PMCID: PMC9704028 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Delirium presents formidable challenges: it affects one in four of older hospitalised adults, greatly elevates the risk of multiple short- and long-term complications including dementia and causes significant distress. Delirium care remains generally poor. Yet, there are clear grounds for optimism; the last decade has seen impactful policy advances and a tripling of research output. Here, we highlight three linked areas which have strong potential to transform delirium practice and knowledge in the near term. Delirium-related distress is strikingly underrepresented in practice guidance and research. Proactive recognition combined with effective clinical responses based on good communication provides a critical and largely untapped opportunity to improve care. Delirium epidemiology research is well positioned to produce novel insights through advanced prospective designs in populations such as emergency medical patients with detailed pre-, intra- and post-delirium assessments allied with fluid, imaging and other biomarkers. Research-grade assessment of delirium currently involves a chaotic array of tools, methods and diagnostic algorithms. Areas for development: expand and analytically distinguish the range of features assessed (including distress), optimise feature assessment including use of validated neuropsychological tests where possible, produce standardised algorithms which articulate explicit pathways from features to diagnosis, and create new fine-grained approaches to the measurement of severity. Delirium practice and knowledge show accelerating growth. This is encouraging but much of the necessary progress is still to come. Innovation in these three highlighted areas, as well as many others, will open up exciting possibilities in enhancing the care of patients with this common and often devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alasdair M J MacLullich
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Annmarie Hosie
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- The Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- IMPACCT – Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Research and Translation, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Zoë Tieges
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- SMART Technology Centre, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel H J Davis
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, UK
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Recall of delirium and related distress in elderly hospitalized patients: A prospective study. Porto Biomed J 2022; 7:e196. [PMID: 37152084 PMCID: PMC10158885 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Delirium is a very common neuropsychiatric disorder in the elderly, with a significant physical and psychological burden. Much is still unknown about its psychological effects. This study aims to identify the proportion of patients who recall delirium and to analyze the distress caused by it. In addition, this study aims to analyze the association between delirium recall and related distress and global psychological distress regarding hospitalization. Methods: This is a prospective study with elderly hospitalized patients in level-2 units of intensive care medicine department of a university hospital. Exclusion criteria were a Glasgow Coma Scale total ≤11, brain injury, blindness, deafness, or inability to communicate. Delirium was daily assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method. Delirium recall and related distress in patients were measured using the Delirium Experience Questionnaire. Global psychological distress was assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results: From 105 patients, 38 (36.2%) developed delirium. Most patients did not remember the delirium episode (64.7%). Among those who remembered (35.3%), most described delirium as a distressing experience (75%). Delirium recall was associated with high global psychological distress (P = .029). Conclusions: Distress related to delirium is high, namely in patients who recall the episode. Global psychological distress during hospitalization is associated with delirium recall. This study highlights the need to assess the experience of delirium in these patients, as well as the importance of providing support and psychological interventions to minimize the associated distress.
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Nydahl P, Jeitziner MM, Vater V, Sivarajah S, Howroyd F, McWilliams D, Osterbrink J. Early mobilisation for prevention and treatment of delirium in critically ill patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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White L, Jackson T. Delirium and COVID‐19: a narrative review of emerging evidence. Anaesthesia 2022; 77 Suppl 1:49-58. [DOI: 10.1111/anae.15627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. White
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - T. Jackson
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
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Blodgett TJ, Blodgett NP. Melatonin and melatonin-receptor agonists to prevent delirium in hospitalized older adults: An umbrella review. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 42:1562-1568. [PMID: 34749057 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in circadian rhythm play an important role in the development of delirium. In this umbrella review, we examined the efficacy of melatonin and ramelteon for delirium prevention in hospitalized older adults. METHODS Umbrella review methodology from the Joanna Briggs Institute guided the review process. Only meta-analyses were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 checklist. RESULTS Three meta-analyses were included in this review. The quality of studies was low-to-moderate. Two meta-analyses reported a significant reduction in delirium using melatonin or ramelteon (pooled OR and 95% confidence intervals ranged from 0.41 [0.19-0.86] to 0.63 [0.46-0.87]). Melatonergics significantly reduced delirium on medical units (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.88) but not surgical units (OR = 0.62, 0.16-2.43). Heterogenity was high, with I2 ranging from 72.14% to 84%. CONCLUSIONS Melatonergics appear to prevent delirium among hospitalized older adults, particularly those on medical units. Based on these results, providers may consider using melatonergics as complements to high-quality multicomponent delirium prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Blodgett
- Duke University School of Nursing, 311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, USA, 27710.
| | - Nicole P Blodgett
- Duke University School of Nursing, 311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, USA, 27710
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The conscious state of the dying patient: An integrative review. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:731-743. [PMID: 34615571 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cognitive state of the dying in the last days of life may deteriorate, resulting in a reduced ability to communicate their care needs. Distressing symptoms, physical and existential, may go unrecognized and untreated. The objectives of this integrative review were to systematically interrogate the literature to determine the changing conscious state of dying adults and to identify changes in their care needs. METHODS An integrative review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020160475). The World Health Organization definition of palliative care informed the review. CINAHL, MEDLINE (OVID), Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were searched from inception to October 2019 using search strategies for each database. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for the Case Series appraisal tool. Extracted data were synthesized using a narrative approach. RESULTS Of 5,136 papers identified, 11 quantitative case series studies were included. Six themes were identified: conscious state and change over time, awareness, pain, absence of holistic care, the voiceless patient, and signs and symptoms of dying. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS In the last days of life, the physical and conscious state of the dying patient declines, resulting in an inability to express their care needs. Dignity in dying and freedom from pain and suffering are both an imperative and a human right; and unvoiced care needs can result in unnecessary suffering and distress. This review revealed that little is known about how healthcare professionals assess holistic care needs at this vulnerable time. Although much has been written about palliative and end-of-life care, the assessment of care needs when patients are no longer able to voice their own needs has largely been ignored, with little attention from clinical, educational, or research perspectives. This gap in evidence has important implications for the dying and their families.
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