Introduction
Delirium, a common complication in older hospital patients, presents a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. The study "Developing and implementing an integrated delirium prevention system of care: a theory driven, participatory research study" provides valuable insights into creating a sustainable delirium prevention system. This blog explores how practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research.
Understanding Delirium Prevention
Delirium prevention requires a multi-component approach, targeting modifiable risk factors. The study highlights the importance of a participatory action research approach, involving staff, volunteers, and patient representatives to develop an effective delirium prevention system. Practitioners can benefit from understanding the Normalization Process Theory (NPT), which helps explore knowledge and practices related to delirium prevention.
Key Findings and Implementation Strategies
The research identified variability in staff awareness of delirium, with a lack of focus on prevention. To address this, the study suggests:
- Engaging staff through education and training programs focused on delirium prevention.
- Incorporating delirium prevention into routine care delivery by establishing a Development Team comprising senior and frontline staff.
- Utilizing volunteers to support delirium prevention efforts, overcoming existing barriers to volunteer engagement.
Enhancing Practitioner Skills
Practitioners can enhance their skills by adopting the following strategies from the research:
- Participate in workshops and training sessions to improve understanding of delirium and its prevention.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate delirium prevention into routine care practices.
- Engage with volunteers and patient representatives to create a supportive environment for delirium prevention.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the need for ongoing research to refine and evaluate delirium prevention programs. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by sharing their experiences and insights, helping to build a comprehensive understanding of effective delirium prevention strategies.
Conclusion
Implementing an integrated delirium prevention system can significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance practitioner skills. By adopting the strategies outlined in the research, healthcare professionals can contribute to a more effective and sustainable approach to delirium prevention.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Developing and implementing an integrated delirium prevention system of care: a theory driven, participatory research study.
