Delirium Prevention Program Launches at Hackensack University Medical Center

Pilot program provides standardized non-pharmacological options to support orientation and routine

Hackensack University Medical Center recently launched a Delirium Prevention Pilot Program with Epic-accessible standardized protocols.

The Division of Geriatrics in collaboration with the nursing team uses a delirium prevention bundle, which includes multiple non-pharmacological interventions. An early initiation of this bundle promotes a protocol of routine and orientation.

It includes a daily checklist of time awareness practices, such as referencing an analog clock, updating white boards with the date and day of the week, and practicing orienting conversations such as next meal, time of day and current events. The checklist also includes practices to help structure daily routine, such as oral hygiene, an evening warm beverage, hand/back massage and evening light dimming.

Other practices support engagement, such as offering an activity packet and pencil, eyeglasses and hearing aids. The checklist also promotes ambulatory movement multiple times a day, regular toileting and taking meals out of bed.

The recent geriatrics-psychiatry collaboration will use this tool as an important intervention for patients at risk of delirium. Both teams will use an Epic template, which was created in collaboration, for documentation and standardizing assessments and a care plan.

The team is also working to establish standardized care plans for nursing, eliminating multiple options in Epic. The development process includes the geriatric consult team visiting individual units to collect nurse feedback directly and establish buy-in through collaboration.

Learn more about innovative geriatric care at Hackensack University Medical Center.