[Delirium prevention-the Basel model].
BACKGROUND
Based on actual evidence, about one third of deliria can be prevented. Hereby, preventive measures can address both delirium predisposing as well as delirium precipitating factors.


METHODS
In 2004 an interdisciplinary practice developmental project was developed, implemented and evaluated at the University Hospital Basel by action-based research.


METHODS
Preventive measures for delirium were developed, resource nurses trained and a systematic delirium screening procedure established.


RESULTS
Nurses and doctors highly accepted the common approach. The delirium rate declined from 25% to 11%. The working load for nurses did not increase on the intervention wards, but decreased at night, whereas the night working load increased on the control wards.


CONCLUSIONS
An interprofessional and interdisciplinary approach for the prevention of delirium has multiple winners: the patient, nurses and doctors.
Hasemann
Wolfgang
W
Klinische Pflegewissenschaft und Akutgeriatrie, Universitätsspital Basel.
Hafner
Martina
M
Kressig
Reto W
RW
Spirig
Rebecca
R
D000368:Aged; D035843:Biomedical Research; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland