title: Use of the acute confusion protocol: a research utilization project.
abstract: This evidence-based project was undertaken to implement research-based preventive protocols to decrease the negative outcomes associated with delirium/acute confusion. After implementation, the medical-surgical unit experienced a 62% reduction in falls and a 100% decrease in sitter usage the first year. The use of medications known to cause acute confusion was decreased by more than 50%. Since implementation, the fall rate as well as the use of restraints has decreased by 25%.
authors.affiliation: Aurora Medical Center, Washington County, Hartford, Wisconsin, USA. ann.kratz@aurora.org
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kratz
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003221:Confusion / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003693:Delirium / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000451:nursing; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000451:nursing; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D015995:Prevalence; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration