RESULTS OF A MULTI-MODAL DELIRIUM EDUCAITON PROGRAM

Abstract

Delirium a complex syndrome caused by a myriad of factors, poses a unique challenge to clinicians and is associated with profoundly poor clinical outcomes. Despite education, primarily didactic, implementation of evidenced based non-pharmacological interventions into clinical practice such as mobility continues to lag. A multi-modal program was designed to include bedside rounding, didactic and high fidelity simulation to translate cognitive concepts into psychomotor skills. Case studies were used to practice tools to assess pain, agitation, delirium, and electronic documentation. Participants (N=80) demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge of delirium pathophysiology, (pretest 79.7% versus posttest 86.3%, p= <.00.1). Chart reviews revealed 95% compliance for documentation of delirium assessments. Eighty-six percent of ventilated patients were assessed as safe for mobility and 70% of these patients were able to be mobilized. There is an urgent need to implement programs such as simulation and bedside mentoring that enhance and sustain evidenced based delirium care.