Association between Inpatient Delirium and Hospital Readmission in Patients ≥ 65 Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Hospitalized Patients with Delirium and 28-Day Unplanned Hospital Readmissions: A Longitudinal Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To establish the predictors of 28-day unplanned hospital readmissions (28D-UHR) in older adults (aged >65 years) with delirium during index hospital admission.

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

1634 patients (aged >65 years) admitted to a Melbourne quaternary hospital with delirium during index admission.

METHODS

Delirium during hospital admission was defined by the inclusion of one of the following International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes F05.0, F05.1, F05.8, or F05.9 in the hospital medical discharge summary. Descriptive statistics were obtained for baseline characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression model was developed to assess predictors of 28D-UHR.

RESULTS

A total of 1634 patients with delirium during their inpatient admission were included, with 9.8% (160 patients) incidence of 28D-UHR. For patients who were readmitted, a shorter length of stay [odds ratio (OR) 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99], higher number of medications on discharge from index admission (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14), and residing in a nursing home preadmission (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.75) were associated with 28D-UHR.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study found that nursing home residence pre index admission, shorter length of stay (LOS), and polypharmacy were predictors of 28D-UHR. Further research into strategies to minimize 28D-UHR is required. Exploration of predischarge pharmacy-driven deprescribing programs and hospital-based postdischarge support for nursing home staff are important areas for future intervention.

Improvement of scoring system used before discharge to predict 30-day all-cause unplanned readmission in geriatric population: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data taken from tertiary referral hospitals in Indonesia suggested readmission rate in older population ranging between 18.1 and 36.3%. Thus, it is crucial to identify high risk patients who were readmitted. Our previous study found several important predictors, despite unsatisfactory discrimination value.

METHODS

We aimed to investigate whether comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) -based modification to the published seven-point scoring system may increase the discrimination value. We conducted a prospective cohort study in July-September 2022 and recruited patients aged 60 years and older admitted to the non-surgical ward and intensive coronary care unit. The ROC curve was made based on the four variables included in the prior study. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses, and derived a new scoring system with its discrimination value.

RESULTS

Of 235 subjects, the incidence of readmission was 32.3% (95% CI 26-38%). We established a new scoring system consisting of 4 components. The scoring system had maximum score of 21 and incorporated malignancy (6 points), delirium (4 points), length of stay ≥ 10 days (4 points), and being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (7 points), with a good calibration test. The C-statistic value was 0.835 (95% CI 0.781-0.880). The optimal cut-off point was ≥ 8 with a sensitivity of 90.8% and a specificity of 54.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignancy, delirium, length of stay ≥ 10 days, and being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished are predictors for 30-day all-cause unplanned readmission. The sensitive scoring system is a strong model to identify whether an individual is at higher risk for readmission. The new CGA-based scoring system had higher discrimination value than that of the previous seven-point scoring system.

Development of a complex intervention to prevent delirium in older hospitalized patients by optimizing discharge and transfer processes and involving caregivers: A multi-method study

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common yet challenging condition in older hospitalized patients, associated with various adverse outcomes. Environmental factors, such as room changes, may contribute to the development or severity of delirium. Most previous research has focused on preventing and reducing this condition by addressing risk factors and facilitating reorientation during hospital stay.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically develop a complex intervention to prevent delirium in older hospitalized patients by optimizing discharge and transfer processes and involving caregivers during and after these procedures. The intervention combines stakeholder and expert opinions, evidence, and theory. This article provides guidance and inspiration to research groups in developing complex interventions according to the recommendations in the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A stepwise multi-method study was conducted. The preparation phase included analysis of the context and current practice via focus groups. Based on these results, an expert workshop was organized, followed by a Delphi survey. Finally, the intervention was modeled and a program theory was developed, including a logic model.

RESULTS

A complex intervention was developed in an iterative process, involving healthcare professionals, delirium experts, researchers, as well as caregiver and patient representatives. The key intervention component is an 8-point-program, which provides caregivers with recommendations for preventing delirium during the transition phase and in the post-discharge period. Information materials (flyers, handbook, videos, posters, defined "Dos and Don'ts", discharge checklist), training for healthcare professionals, and status analyses are used as implementation strategies. In addition, roles were established for gatekeepers to act as leaders, and champions to serve as knowledge multipliers and trainers for the multi-professional team in the hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study serves as an example of how to develop a complex intervention. In an additional step, the intervention and implementation strategies will be investigated for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot study with an accompanying process evaluation.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Delirium prevention can benefit from optimizing discharge and transfer processes and involving caregivers of older patients in these procedures.

STUDY REGISTRATION

DRKS00017828, German Register of Clinical Studies, date of registration 17.09.2019.

Relationship between in-hospital angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers administration and delirium in the cardiac ICU

OBJECTIVES

Delirium may be associated with neuroinflammation and reduced blood-brain barrier (BBB) stability. ACE Inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) reduce neuroinflammation and stabilize the BBB, thus slowing the progression of memory loss in patients with dementia. This study evaluated the effect of these medications on delirium prevalence.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of data from all patients admitted to a Cardiac ICU between 1 January 2020-31 December 2020. The presence of delirium was determined based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes and nurse delirium screening.

RESULTS

Of the 1684 unique patients, almost half developed delirium. Delirious patients who did not receive either ACEI or ARB had higher odds (odds ratio [OR] 5.88, 95% CI 3.7-9.09, P < .001) of in-hospital death and experienced significantly shorter ICU lengths of stay (LOS) (P = .01). There was no significant effect of medication exposure on the time to delirium onset.

CONCLUSIONS

While ACEIs and ARBs have been shown to slow the progression of memory loss for patients with Alzheimer's disease, we did not observe a difference in time to delirium onset.

Effect of the clinical decision assessment system on clinical outcomes of delirium in hospitalized older adults: study protocol for a pair-matched, parallel, cluster randomized controlled superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Prompt recognition of delirium is the first key step in its proper management. A previous study has demonstrated that nurses' delirium screening using the usual paper version assessment tool has no effect on clinical outcomes. Clinical decision assessment systems have been demonstrated to improve patients' adherence and clinical outcomes. Therefore, We developed a clinical decision assessment system (3D-DST) based on the usual paper version (3-min diagnostic interview for CAM-defined delirium), which was developed for assessing delirium in older adults with high usability and accuracy. However, no high quality evidence exists on the effectiveness of a 3D-DST in improving outcomes of older adults compared to the usual paper version.

METHODS

A pair-matched, open-label, parallel, cluster randomized controlled superiority trial following the SPIRIT checklist. Older patients aged 65 years or older admitted to four medical wards of a geriatric hospital will be invited to participate in the study. Prior to the study, delirium prevention and treatment interventions will be delivered to nurses in both the intervention and control groups. The nurses in the intervention group will perform routine delirium assessments on the included older patients with 3D-DST, while the nurses in the control group will perform daily delirium assessments with the usual paper version. Enrolled patients will be assessed twice daily for delirium by a nurse researcher using 3D-DST. The primary outcome is delirium duration. The secondary outcomes are delirium severity, incidence of delirium, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, adherence to delirium assessment, prevention, and treatment of medical staff.

DISCUSSION

This study will incorporate the 3D-DST into clinical practice for delirium assessment. If our study will demonstrate that 3D-DST will improve adherence with delirium assessment and clinical outcomes in older patients, it will provide important evidence for the management of delirium in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Identifier: ChiCTR1900028402. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=47127 .

PROTOCOL VERSION

1, 29/7/22.

Associations between delirium and SARS-CoV-2 pandemic visitor restrictions among hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVES

Delirium is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, but environmental and behavioral factors may decrease the risk of developing delirium and thus must be considered. To investigate trends in delirium prevalence and examine associations of visitor restrictions with delirium diagnoses among all patients hospitalized during and prior to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective epidemiological assessment.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients (n = 33,141) hospitalized within a three-hospital academic medical center system in a large Midwestern metropolitan area from March 20, 2019, through March 19, 2021, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of delirium during COVID-19 was 11.26% (confidence interval [CI]: 10.79%, 11.73%) compared to 9.28% (CI: 8.82%, 9.73%) before COVID-19. From our adjusted logistic regression analyses, we observed that the odds of delirium among non-isolated patients were significantly higher during COVID-19 visitor restrictions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.354; 95% CI: 1.233, 1.488; P < 0.0001) than before. The odds of delirium among isolated patients were not significantly higher during COVID-19 visitor restrictions (aOR: 1.145; 95% CI: 0.974, 1.346; P = 0.1006) than before.

CONCLUSIONS

Medically isolated patients remained at high risk of developing delirium both prior to and during COVID-19 era visitor restrictions. However, non-medically isolated patients had a significantly increased risk of delirium during the social isolation of visitor restrictions compared to prior to visitor restrictions.

Relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers prescribing and delirium in the ICU-A secondary analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) may slow the decline of memory function in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease by regulating migroglial activation and oxidative stress within the brain's reticular activating system. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between delirium prevalence and being prescribed ACEI and ARB in participants admitted to the intensive care units (ICU).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of data from two parallel pragmatic randomized controlled trials was performed. ACEI and ARB exposure was defined as being prescribed an ACEI or an ARB within six months prior to the ICU admission. The primary endpoint was the first positive delirium assessment based on Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) for up to thirty days.

RESULTS

A total of 4791 patients admitted to the medical, surgical, and progressive ICU and screened for eligibility for the parent studies between February 2009 and January 2015 from two level 1 trauma and one safety net hospital in a large urban academic health system were included. Delirium rates in the ICU were not significantly different among participants with no exposure to ACEI/ARB (12.6%), or exposure to ACEI (14.4%), ARB (11.8%), or ACEI and ARB in combination (15.4%) in six months prior to the ICU admission. Exposure to ACEI (OR = 0.97[0.77, 1.22]), ARB (OR = 0.70 [0.47, 1.05]), or both (OR = 0.97 [0.33, 2.89]) in six months prior to ICU admission was not significantly associated with odds of delirium during the ICU admission after adjusting for age, gender, race, co-morbidities, and insurance status.

CONCLUSIONS

While the impact of ACEI and ARB exposure prior to the ICU admission was not associated with the prevalence of delirium in this study, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of antihypertensive medications on delirium.

Confusion assessment method accurately screens for hepatic encephalopathy and predicts short-term mortality in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a subtype of delirium, is common in cirrhosis and associated with poor outcomes. Yet, objective bedside screening tools for HE are lacking. We examined the relationship between an established screening tool for delirium, Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and short-term outcomes while comparing its performance with previously established measures of cognitive function such as West Haven criteria (WHC). Prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis who completed the CAM-ICU from 6/2014-6/2018 were followed for 90 days. Blinded provider-assigned West Haven Criteria (WHC) and other measures of cognitive function were collected. Logistic regression was used to test associations between CAM-ICU status and outcomes. Mortality prediction by CAM-ICU status was assessed using Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curves (AUROC). Of 469 participants, 11% were CAM-ICU( +), 55% were male and 94% were White. Most patients were Childs-Pugh class C (59%). CAM-ICU had excellent agreement with WHC (Kappa = 0.79). CAM-ICU( +) participants had similar demographic features to those CAM-ICU(-), but had higher MELD (25 vs. 19, p < 0.0001), were more often admitted to the ICU (28% vs. 7%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to be admitted for HE and infection. CAM-ICU( +) participants had higher mortality (inpatient:37% vs. 3%, 30-day:51% vs. 11%, 90-day:63% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). CAM-ICU status predicted mortality with AUROC of 0.85, 0.82 and 0.77 for inpatient, 30-day and 90-day mortality, respectively. CAM-ICU easily screens for delirium/HE, has excellent agreement with WHC, and identifies a hospitalized cirrhosis cohort with high short-term mortality.

Predictors of hospital readmission for patients diagnosed with delirium: An electronic health record data analysis

INTRODUCTION

Delirium is an acute and fluctuating change in attention and cognition that increases the risk of functional decline, institutionalisation and death in hospitalised patients. After delirium, patients have a significantly higher risk of readmission to hospital. Our aim was to investigate factors associated with hospital readmission in people with delirium.

METHODS

We carried out an observational retrospective cohort study using linked mental health care and hospitalisation records from South London. Logistic regression models were used to predict the odds of 30-day readmission and Cox proportional hazard models to calculate readmission risks when not restricting follow-up time.

RESULTS

Of 2814 patients (mean age 78.9 years SD ±11.8) discharged from hospital after an episode of delirium, 823 (29.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. Depressed mood (odds ratio (OR) 1.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.66)), moderate-to-severe physical health problems (OR 1.67 (95% CI 1.18-2.2.36)) and a history of serious circulatory disease (OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.07-1.55)) were associated with higher odds of hospital readmission, whereas a diagnosis of delirium superimposed on dementia (OR 0.67 (95% CI 0.53-0.84)) and problematic alcohol/substance (OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.33-0.89)) use were associated with lower odds. Cox proportionate hazard models showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Almost one-third of patients with delirium were readmitted within a short period of time, a more detailed understanding of the underlying risk factors could help prevent readmissions. Our findings indicate that the aetiology (as alcohol-related delirium), the recognition that delirium occurred in the context of dementia, as well as potentially modifiable factors, as depressed mood affect readmission risk, and should be assessed in clinical settings.

Readmission and adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with dementia

BACKGROUND

As the population ages, clinicians increasingly encounter ischemic heart disease in patients with underlying dementia. Therefore, we quantified differences in inhospital adverse events and 30-day readmission rates among patients with and without dementia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Using the National Readmissions Database 2017-2018, we identified 755,406 index hospitalizations in which PCI was performed, of which 17,309 (2.3%) had a diagnosis of dementia. After propensity score matching patients with and without dementia, we assessed 30-day readmission and inhospital adverse events by Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression modeling and compared them with those of other common cardiac (pacemaker placement [PP]) and noncardiac (hip replacement surgery [HRS]) procedures.

RESULTS

Thirty-day readmission was significantly higher in patients with dementia than patients without dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-1.74). Patients with dementia also experienced higher odds of delirium (odds ratio [OR] 4.37, CI 3.69-5.16), inhospital mortality (OR 1.15, CI 1.01-1.30), cardiac arrest (OR 1.19, CI 1.01-1.39), acute kidney injury (OR 1.30, CI 1.21-1.39), and fall (OR 2.51, CI 2.06-3.07). On multivariable Cox modeling, dementia independently predicted 30-day readmission (HR 1.14, CI 1.07-1.20). The higher readmission risk with PCI (11%) among those with dementia was similar to that of patients undergoing PP (10%), but lower than in those undergoing HRS (41%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with dementia who undergo PCI experience significantly increased rates of inhospital delirium, mortality, kidney injury, falls, and 30-day readmission. These adverse outcomes should be considered during shared decision-making with patients and their families.

Activating Relatives to Get Involved in Care After Surgery: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications and readmissions to hospital are factors known to negatively influence the short- and long-term quality of life of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Active family involvement in activities, such as fundamental care activities, has the potential to improve the quality of health care. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between active family involvement and outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol aims to evaluate the effect of a family involvement program (FIP) on unplanned readmissions of adult patients undergoing surgery for malignant gastrointestinal tumors. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the effect of the FIP on family caregiver (FC) burden and their well-being and the fidelity of the FIP.

METHODS

This cohort study will be conducted in 2 academic hospitals in the Netherlands. The FIP will be offered to adult patients and their FCs. Patients are scheduled for oncological gastrointestinal surgery and have an expected hospital stay of at least 5 days after surgery. FCs must be willing to participate in fundamental care activities during hospitalization and after discharge. Consenting patients and their families will choose to either participate in the FIP or be included in the usual care group. According to the power calculation, we will recruit 150 patients and families in the FIP group and 150 in the usual care group. The intervention group will receive the FIP that consists of information, shared goal setting, task-oriented training, participation in fundamental care, presence of FCs during ward rounds, and rooming-in for at least 8 hours a day. Patients in the comparison group will receive usual postoperative care. The primary outcome measure is the number of unplanned readmissions up to 30 days after surgery. Several secondary outcomes will be collected, that is, total number of complications (sensitive to fundamental care activities) at 30 and 90 days after surgery, emergency department visits, intensive care unit admissions up to 30 and 90 days after surgery, hospital length of stay, patients' quality of life, and the amount of home care needed after discharge. FC outcomes are caregiver burden and well-being up to 90 days after participating in the FIP. To evaluate fidelity, we will check whether the FIP is executed as intended. Univariable regression and multivariable regression analyses will be conducted.

RESULTS

The first participant was enrolled in April 2019. The follow-up period of the last participant ended in May 2022. The study was funded by an unrestricted grant of the University hospital in 2018. We aim to publish the results in 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide evidence on outcomes from a FIP and will provide health care professionals practical tools for family involvement in the oncological surgical care setting.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/38028.

Readmission and In-Hospital Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Dementia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The prevalence of dementia and aortic stenosis (AS) increases with each decade of age. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a definitive treatment for AS, but there are scarce data on morbidity, mortality, and readmission risk after TAVR in patients with dementia.

METHODS/MATERIALS

We identified all admissions for TAVR in patients with AS in the National Readmissions Database in 2017-2018 and stratified them according to the presence or absence of a secondary diagnosis of dementia. Inpatient outcomes were compared using logistic regression. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to compare 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 48,923 index hospitalizations for TAVR were identified, of which 2192 (4.5 %) had a secondary diagnosis of dementia. Presence of dementia was associated with higher odds of delirium, pacemaker placement, acute kidney injury, and fall in hospital. The hazard of 30-day readmission was not significantly different between patients with and without dementia, but patients with dementia experienced a higher hazard of 60-day readmission (HR 1.15, 95 % CI 1.03-1.26, p = 0.011) in the unadjusted model and higher hazard of 90-day readmission in both unadjusted (HR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.08-1.30, p < 0.001) and adjusted models (aHR 1.14, 95 % CI 1.04-1.25, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with dementia who undergo TAVR are at higher risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes and 60- and 90-day readmissions compared with patients without dementia. These estimates should be integrated into shared decision-making discussions with patients and families.

Understanding why delirium is often missed in older emergency department patients: a qualitative descriptive study

OBJECTIVES

Unrecognized delirium is associated with significant adverse outcomes. Despite decades of effort and educational initiatives, validated screening tools have not improved delirium recognition in the emergency department (ED). There remains a fundamental knowledge gap of why it is consistently missed. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of ED physicians and nurses regarding factors contributing to missed delirium in older ED patients.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study at two academic tertiary care EDs in Toronto, Canada. Emergency physicians and nurses were interviewed by a trained qualitative researcher using a semi-structured interview guide. We coded transcripts with an iteratively developed codebook. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation occurred. Thematic data analysis occurred in conjunction with data collection to continuously monitor emerging themes and areas for further exploration.

RESULTS

We interviewed 26 ED physicians and nurses. We identified key themes at four levels: clinical practice, provider attitudes, systematic processes, and education. The four themes include: (1) there are varied approaches to delirium recognition and infrequent use of screening tools; (2) delirium assessment is perceived as overly time consuming and of lower priority than other symptoms and syndromes; (3) it is unclear whose responsibility it is to recognize delirium; and (4) there is a need for a deeper or "functional" understanding of delirium that includes its consequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate a need for ED leadership to identify clear team roles for delirium recognition, standardize use of delirium screening tools, and prioritize delirium as a symptom of an acute medical emergency.

Association of delirium screening on hospitalized adults and postacute care utilization: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with delirium have increased hospital length of stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality. Impact of delirium on postacute care (PAC) utilization is not fully characterized. Impact of screening for delirium on general medicine patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess impact of screening for delirium on inpatient PAC utilization.

METHODS

This was a single center, retrospective cohort study at an academic tertiary care center in Charleston, SC. Patients were selected from adults hospitalized from home and discharged alive between June 2014 and June 2018. The brief confusion assessment method (bCAM) screening was conducted and documented by nursing on admission and every shift thereafter. Outcome measure was the proportion of patients discharged to facility.

RESULTS

Of 93,388 non-ICU adult admission between June 2014 and June 2018, 4.4% of those not screened for delirium were discharged to facility versus 15.0% in those screened and 41.4% in those screening positive. Multivariable regression analysis showed that patients screened for delirium were 2.3 times more likely to discharge to facility (95% CI (2.145, 2.429)) while those with a positive bCAM were 3.3 times more likely than those with a negative bCAM to discharge to facility (95% CI (2.949, 3.712)).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for demographics, medication orders and comorbidities there was an association between screening for delirium, positive delirium screen and discharge to facility. An appreciation of where and why patients are discharged is imperative to optimize both patient care and cost utilization.

Positive scores on the 4AT delirium assessment tool at hospital admission are linked to mortality, length of stay and home time: two-centre study of 82,770 emergency admissions

BACKGROUND

Studies investigating outcomes of delirium using large-scale routine data are rare. We performed a two-centre study using the 4 'A's Test (4AT) delirium detection tool to analyse relationships between delirium and 30-day mortality, length of stay and home time (days at home in the year following admission).

METHODS

The 4AT was performed as part of usual care. Data from emergency admissions in patients ≥65 years in Lothian, UK (n = 43,946) and Salford, UK (n = 38,824) over a period of $\sim$3 years were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

4AT completion rates were 77% in Lothian and 49% in Salford. 4AT scores indicating delirium (≥4/12) were present in 18% of patients in Lothian, and 25% of patients in Salford. Thirty-day mortality with 4AT ≥4 was 5.5-fold greater than the 4AT 0/12 group in Lothian (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99-6.13) and 3.4-fold greater in Salford (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 2.98-3.87). Length of stay was more than double in patients with 4AT scores of 1-3/12 (indicating cognitive impairment) or ≥ 4/12 compared with 4AT 0/12. Median home time at 1 year was reduced by 112 days (Lothian) and 61 days (Salford) in the 4AT ≥4 group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Scores on the 4AT used at scale in practice are strongly linked with 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and home time. The findings highlight the need for better understanding of why delirium is linked with poor outcomes and also the need to improve delirium detection and treatment.

Approach to Altered Mental Status and Inpatient Delirium

Altered mental status is a nonspecific diagnosis that encompasses a wide spectrum of disease and is frequently cited as a reason for both hospital admission and inpatient neurologic consultation. There are numerous etiologies of altered mental status, and so although many are facile with the workup of this potentially life-threatening entity, it can nevertheless be overwhelming. Our goal was to provide a practical framework embedded in a current, comprehensive review of the epidemiology, clinical evaluation, and management of undifferentiated altered mental status. We pay particular attention to the management of a critical yet underdiagnosed subtype of altered mental status: delirium.

Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Elderly Patients With Delirium

Objective

To study 30-day readmission (30-DR) rate and predictors for readmission among elderly patients with delirium.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥65 years with discharge diagnosis of delirium identified from the Nationwide Readmission Database using common International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification codes linked to delirium diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for stratified cluster design to identify patient/system-specific factors associated with 30-DR.

Results

Overall, the 30-DR rate was 17% (7,140 of 42,655 weighted index admissions). The common causes of readmission were systemic diseases (43%), infections (27%), and neurologic diseases (18%). Compared with initial hospitalization, readmission costs were higher ($11,442 vs $10,350, p < 0.0001) with a longer length of stay (6.6 vs 6.1 days, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of readmission included discharge against medical advice (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, p < 0.0034), length of stay (OR 1.3, p < 0.0001), and chronic systemic diseases (anemia, OR 2.4, p < 0.0001, chronic renal failure OR 1.4, p < 0.0001, congestive heart failure OR 1.3, p < 0.0001, lung disease OR 1.2, p < 0.0004, and liver disease OR 1.2, p < 0.03). Private insurance was associated with a lower risk of readmission (OR 0.78, p < 0.02).

Conclusions

The main predictors of readmission were chronic systemic diseases and discharge against medical advice. These data may help design directed clinical care pathways to optimize medical management and postdischarge care to reduce readmission rates.

Improving Care Transitions: An Initiative between the Emergency Department and Senior Care Facilities

INTRODUCTION

The transfer of individuals (i.e., residents) between senior care facilities (SCF) and the emergency department (ED) remains an ongoing healthcare quality gap as communication of key resident information is often lost. For this study, a sample of SCF representatives were invited to join a collaborative group termed Safe Transition of All Residents For yoU and Me (STARForUM, STAR-F) to improve SCF resident transitions of care.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this pilot study was to invite a convenience sample of SCF facilities to join a collaborative intervention named Safe Transition of All Residents For yoU and Me (STARForUM, STAR-F) to improve information exchange during SCF residents' transitions of care. The potential influence of a hospital-SCF collaboration program to improve transfer of essential SCF resident information sent to the hospital ED was used as an evaluation measure.

METHODS

This study project enrolled a total of 120 residents (i.e., patients) with 40 (33%) transferred from participating STAR-F facilities.

RESULTS

Following the authors' development of a transfer checklist, STAR-F facilities sent a significantly greater number of essential elements comprised of the resident's medical history information to the ED compared to non-STAR-F facilities. Controlling for the standard classification of skill level of the individual facility, STAR-F residents had significantly higher essential information transmission composite scores (10.5 + 2.9 for STAR-F patients vs. 7.75 + 3.1 for non-STAR-Fs p = < 0.01) that may have served to reduce number of associated transition errors.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that a collaborative hospital-SCF initiative can significantly improve transfer of information for elderly residents during ED visits, help guide clinical decision-making and optimize care coordination.

Frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of hospital readmissions of COVID-19 patients

To determine the proportion of patients with COVID-19 who were readmitted to the hospital and the most common causes and the factors associated with readmission. Multicenter nationwide cohort study in Spain. Patients included in the study were admitted to 147 hospitals from March 1 to April 30, 2020. Readmission was defined as a new hospital admission during the 30 days after discharge. Emergency department visits after discharge were not considered readmission. During the study period 8392 patients were admitted to hospitals participating in the SEMI-COVID-19 network. 298 patients (4.2%) out of 7137 patients were readmitted after being discharged. 1541 (17.7%) died during the index admission and 35 died during hospital readmission (11.7%, p = 0.007). The median time from discharge to readmission was 7 days (IQR 3–15 days). The most frequent causes of hospital readmission were worsening of previous pneumonia (54%), bacterial infection (13%), venous thromboembolism (5%), and heart failure (5%). Age [odds ratio (OR): 1.02; 95% confident interval (95% CI): 1.01–1.03], age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index score (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.21), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.26–2.69), asthma (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04–2.22), hemoglobin level at admission (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.99), ground-glass opacification at admission (OR: 0.86; 95% CI:0.76–0.98) and glucocorticoid treatment (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.00–1.66) were independently associated with hospital readmission. The rate of readmission after hospital discharge for COVID-19 was low. Advanced age and comorbidity were associated with increased risk of readmission.

Outcomes Following Implementation of a Hospital-Wide, Multicomponent Delirium Care Pathway

BACKGROUND

Delirium is associated with poor clinical outcomes that could be improved with targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a multicomponent delirium care pathway implemented across seven specialty nonintensive care units is associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary objectives were reductions in total direct cost, odds of 30-day hospital readmission, and rates of safety attendant and restraint use.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 22,708 hospitalized patients (11,018 preintervention) aged ≥50 years encompassing seven nonintensive care units: neurosciences, medicine, cardiology, general and specialty surgery, hematology-oncology, and transplant. The multicomponent delirium care pathway included a nurse-administered delirium risk assessment at admission, nurse-administered delirium screening scale every shift, and a multicomponent delirium intervention. The primary study outcome was LOS for all units combined and the medicine unit separately. Secondary outcomes included total direct cost, odds of 30-day hospital readmission, and rates of safety attendant and restraint use.

RESULTS

Adjusted mean LOS for all units combined decreased by 2% post intervention (proportional change, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P = .0087). Medicine unit adjusted LOS decreased by 9% (proportional change, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99; P = .028). For all units combined, adjusted odds of 30-day readmission decreased by 14% (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.93; P = .0002). Medicine unit adjusted cost decreased by 7% (proportional change, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P = .0002).

CONCLUSION

This multicomponent hospital-wide delirium care pathway intervention is associated with reduced hospital LOS, especially for patients on the medicine unit. Odds of 30-day readmission decreased throughout the entire cohort.

The effect of foot reflexology massage on delirium and sleep quality following cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Delirium is the most common neurologic disorder after cardiac surgery and affects both short and long-term outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage on the incidence of delirium and sleep quality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who were candidates for CABG surgery were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 30); intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, foot reflexology massage was done on each foot for 15 min, for two consecutive days. Delirium observation screening scale, the Richard Campbell sleep questionnaire (RSCQ), and pain intensity using VAS were compared.

RESULTS

in the second postoperative day, delirium was observed in 8 (26.7 %) and 7 (23.3 %) of patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The measured odds ratio for the effect of massage on delirium is 0.83 (95 %CI 0.71-2.69, p = 0.76). The difference in RSCQ scores was not significant between groups of intervention and control (68.32 ± 10.41 VS. 62.80 ± 11.86, P = 0.06). The pain intensity was lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Foot reflexology was not effective in reducing delirium and improving the sleep quality, but the pain intensity was decreased. It seems that the precise pathology and predicting model of delirium should be identified, and appropriate interventions should be planned accordingly.

Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients Screening Positive for Delirium

BACKGROUND

Delirium in the hospitals leads to worse outcomes for patients. There were no previous studies that characterize patients with delirium from multiple hospital locations.

OBJECTIVE

To describe patient characteristics screening positive for delirium and identify any correlations with hospital location and medication use.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, PATIENTS

Retrospective chart review of 227 hospitalized patients from a large, academic, tertiary referral, 2-campus health system. Patients were ≥18 years old and had delirium for at least ≥24 hours. Validated delirium screening tools were utilized.

MEASUREMENTS

Patients' demographics, inpatient stay information, delirium episodes characteristics, drugs, and palliative and psychiatry teams' involvement.

RESULTS

Most patients were older with a mean age of 64.1 years. The most common primary diagnoses were infection, cardiac, and pulmonary. Average length of delirium was 7.2 days (standard deviation [SD] = 8.2), and average length of stay (LOS) was 18.7 days (median = 10.5, SD = 35.1, 95% confidence interval = 14.1-23). Thirty-day readmission rate was 24.8% (65/262 hospitalizations); 12.8% of patients died in the hospital (29/227). Around one-third of hospitalizations had involvement of palliative care, palliative psychiatry, or general psychiatry team. There was a decrease in the number of medications administered 24 hours after the first recording of delirium compared to the immediate preceding 48 hours. Those hospitalizations where delirium first occurred in the intensive care unit (ICU) did have a longer LOS (average = 22.9, SD = 45.7) than those where delirium first occurred outside the ICU (average = 14.8, SD = 20.5). Patients were likely to have received an opioid within 48 hours in 51% of hospitalizations and to have received benzodiazepines in 16% of hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

In our study, we found that delirium significantly impacted length of delirium episode, number of episodes of delirium, length of hospital admission, and mortality. The population most sensitive to the impacts of delirium were elderly patients.