Implementation Outcome Assessments of the Emergency Department Delirium Screening and Detection Program (ED-DDP)

Implementation Outcome Assessments of the Emergency Department Delirium Screening and Detection Program

Improving Delirium Screening and Detection for Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department (ED): A Novel ED Delirium Screening and Detection Program

Delirium occurs in up to 20% of older adults presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) and is associated with poor outcomes. Failure to identify patients with ED delirium not only prevents initiation of mitigation strategies, but is also a barrier to advancing the field in terms of evaluating management and clinical outcomes. This project studies the potential of an ED Delirium Detection Program (ED-DDP), developed to address the need for consistent and accurate ED delirium detection. This research will have two objectives: Aim 1 will conduct a pilot stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) of the ED-DDP across 3 diverse EDs to determine preliminary efficacy of the detection training program, and Aim 2 will use a mixed methods approach to assess RE-AIM implementation outcomes (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) of the training program. Aim 1 will consist of a multicomponent 1-day delirium champion workshop where the training is delivered, real-time direct observation/training of champions via telehealth, practical training of nurses throughout each ED by champions, and patient chart review. In Aim 2, the investigators will assess implementation outcomes using training logs, tele-observation, interviews with champions and nurses, and electronic medical record screening. The overarching aim of this proposal is to determine the preliminary efficacy of the training program for improving ED delirium screening, detection, and management in older adults, while also evaluating implementation outcomes of the program for champions/nurses. The investigators will use findings from this study to inform a full-scale SW-CRT to evaluate the impact of the program on patient outcomes at Northwell Health. The long-term goal of this study is to implement and disseminate a comprehensive ED-DDP that will improve screening, detection, and management of ED delirium in older adults.

Grounded in the RE-AIM framework, investigators will use mixed methods to conduct implementation outcome assessments of the ED-DDP for champions and nurses. A multimodal approach, using training logs, tele-observations, and EHR data, will assess quantitative outcomes during implementation/intervention periods: Reach (training completion), Efficacy (accurate screening tool use), Adoption (screening rates), and Implementation (fidelity/time of program delivery). Investigators will conduct semi-structured interviews (intervention period) to assess and explain: successes and challenges of training completion (Reach) and Adoption of delirium screening; adaptations made to ED DDP delivery (Implementation); and plan for Maintenance.

This study is a pilot stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) of three diverse emergency department (EDs) randomized to receive the intervention at 3-month intervals over a 15-month period. Time of crossover from the control to intervention period will be unidirectional, and each crossover sequence will allow for a 3-month implementation period where data will not be collected.

ED leadership at each site will identify 5-10 delirium champions (nurse educators and managers, bedside nurses) based on their interest in delirium and commitment to program participation, including training of nurses by champions. The implementation period will take place over a period of 3 months. No data analysis will take place during the implementation period.

The intervention period will take place 3-9 months after implementation of the ED-DDP program over a 15 month period, depending on when a site is randomized to receive the ED-DDP intervention.

Champions will participate in a 1-day workshop, consisting of patient testimonials, small group discussions, delirium and screening tool use (didactics), and role-playing. Following the workshop, champions will receive 3 tele-training sessions; 2 to provide direct observation/feedback while the champion performs a bedside delirium screen, and 1 to provide direct observation/feedback of the champion providing training to the nurse. Once delirium champions complete training, they will provide bedside delirium training for all ED nurses. No adaptations to the ED-DDP will occur between implementation sites and no data will be collected during implementation phases.

Tele-observations will be used to asses screening accuracy, defined as the proportion of nurses who score at least 80% accuracy on the brief confusion assessment method (bCAM) use using a validated Spot Check Form. The investigators will observe a random sample of nurses (N=30, 10 at each ED site) performing a delirium screen in real-time. A successful outcome will be considered if computed proportion of nurses accurately using the bCAM tool is 80% or higher.

Champion training logs will be used to determine the proportion of champions who complete training (1-day workshop and 3 tele-training sessions) at each emergency department site. A successful outcome will be considered if computed proportion is 80% or higher.

Emergency department nurse training logs will be used to determine the proportion of nurses who complete at least 1 training session with a delirium champion at each ED site. A successful outcome will be considered if computed proportion is 80% or higher.

Electronic health record (EHR) data will be used to determine the proportion of nurses who document delirium screening in at least 80% of eligible patients. A successful outcome will be considered if computed proportion is 80% or higher.

Proportion of training program components that adhered to ED-DDP protocol (REAIM: Implementation/Fidelity)

Training logs of delirium champions and ED nurses will be used to determine the proportion of training components (workshop, tele-training sessions, and bedside training of nurses by champions) that adhered to ED-DDP protocol. A successful outcome will be considered if computed proportion is 80% or higher.

Training logs of delirium champions and ED nurses will be used to determine the time required to complete champion and ED nurse training. A successful outcome will be considered if 80% of delirium champion and ED nurses complete training within the implementation period.

Inclusion Criteria: Nurse educators, managers, or bedside nurses self-identified or recommended by emergency department (ED) leadership to volunteer as a program site champion Primarily working at a participating ED site Commitment to program participation Exclusion Criteria: Unable to meet program requirements, including attending champion workshop, agreement to observation and training via telehealth, and commitment to train department staff Does not primarily work in the ED