Management of delirium in medicine : experience of a close observation unit
2013
Objective(s): A new model of care for the management of patients with delirium was developed and evaluated.
Method: A 4-bedded Close Observation Unit (COU) was introduced. The model comprised an education strategy for assistants in nursing (AIN), environmental adaptations and AIN to patient ratio of 1:4. Outcomes in all patients with delirium before and after introduction of the new model of care were compared.
Results: 105 patients were admitted to COU, of whom 100 (95%) were diagnosed with delirium. In-hospital mortality improved after introduction of the unit (15% versus 5%; p=0.002) without significant change in length of stay, discharge destination or falls frequency.
Conclusion: A dedicated unit for delirium management within medicine achieved a reduction in mortality.
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