Delirium-Prevention Programs in German and Austrian Hospitals – Views on Goals, Barriers, Facilitators and Implementation Procedures: A Qualitative Telephone Study / Programme zur Delirprävention in deutschsprachigen Krankenhäusern: eine qualitative, telefonische Befragung zu den Zielstellungen, Barrieren, Förderbedingungen und Umsetzungsschritten in der Implementationsphase

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Analysis of barriers, facilitators and concepts to implement delirium prevention programs in German and Austrian hospitals. Materials and Methods Qualitative, semi-structured expert interviews with 9 leaders of delirium prevention programs in Germany and Austria. Results Leaders described delirium incidence reduction, higher standards in hospital care for older patients, and improvement of employee satisfaction as goals for their delirium prevention pro-gram. Barriers were described with fragmented hospital care structures – regarding sections and professional background of the staff – and lack of financial resources. Facilitators were named with acknowledging delirium prevention successes of known community leaders and building interest groups and networks. For the implementation of their delirium prevention program, hospitals used working groups and networks to benefit from outside perspectives on their implementation process. Conclusion Although delirium prevention is associated with cost savings in hospital procedures, program leaders described a lack of financial resources to implement delirium prevention programs. To face the demographic shift in hospital care, it is vital to implement national health care funding for delirium prevention programs. Currently, hospital leaders described an undersupply of older patients with delirium in German and Austrian hospital care.