Project 6: Identifying policy levers to improve delirium care for people in England 

Background:

Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities. It results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone’s surroundings. The disorder usually comes on fast — within hours or a few days. Delirium is a common condition affecting many older adults admitted to hospitals, especially those with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. It has serious consequences for patients and healthcare services, leading to increased costs, longer hospital stays, and more adverse events. Delirium can increase the chances of getting dementia and make neurodegenerative diseases worse. Despite its significant impact, delirium is often overlooked in government health policies concerning older adults and vulnerable populations who are at high risk of experiencing it. 

Aims and objectives:

We aim to look at how delirium is currently addressed in policy, and whether existing policies support or hinder efforts to prevent, identify, and manage delirium. We will suggest areas where government health policies might include more information about how they apply to people experiencing delirium. 

Methods:

We will start by looking at how people at risk of delirium are treated now, and where there are challenges from the adverse effects of delirium on individuals, healthcare systems, and staff that policy might helpfully address. We will identify English health policies related to older people’s care and get input from expert groups on which to include. We will map where delirium-related policies fit within the broader policy landscape. Our expert focus group will sense check our recommendations. We will explore alternative approaches to delirium policy to address gaps between current policies and the needs for change and assess the potential effects of suggested policy changes. 

Policy relevance and dissemination:

This research aims to inform health policymakers and shed light on gaps in current health policies concerning delirium. By demonstrating how addressing delirium is crucial for achieving policy priorities, such as implementing hospital at home and virtual wards, the study will inform work of organisations such as the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the British Geriatrics Society, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The findings will be disseminated through a journal paper, and a policy brief.