Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2024

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Joseph Burkard, PhD, DNSc, CRNA, AA

Abstract

One of the major complications and reasons for prolonged stay amongst patients who undergo surgery is related to the occurrence of hospital associated delirium. Unfamiliar environment, previous comorbidities, age and anesthesia can alter and affect cognitive status in the general population. While there is substantial evidence previously listing high risk patients through demographics as well as prior medical history, this study collectively gathers information based upon prior evidence-based practice data to determine the benefit of prescreening patients through use of a predictive indicator tool. Based on the literature review and inclusion data gathered from fifty patients undergoing surgery, it was determined that there was a significant correlation to the elevated delirium risk assessment tool score to the association of documented confusion and delirium during those patient’s hospitalization. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective project that utilizes known risk factors for delirium and applies this information to create a predictive indicator tool to identify high risk patients for delirium-related complications. The prevalence of delirium and its numerous contributing factors make this condition a potential target for improved health care delivery. Interventions for implementation of the project involve adjusting current practice guidelines during the intraoperative and postoperative phase for prevention interventions of delirium. Implications for practice include reduced length of stay, better patient outcomes, prevention of occurrence of high-risk delirium associated events, as well as reduced recovery time postoperatively.

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