PT25 - COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION FOR DELIRIUM PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT IN GERIATRIC CARE

PT25

COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION FOR DELIRIUM PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT IN GERIATRIC CARE

A. A. Alfehaidi^1,*

¹HMC, Doha, Qatar

Rationale: Delirium significantly impacts up to 60% of older adults in inpatient settings, leading to higher mortality, longer hospital stays, and faster cognitive decline. This quality improvement initiative assessed the effects of a proactive, multidimensional nutritional intervention program on delirium outcomes in vulnerable older adults across various care settings.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of 86 patients aged 70 and older at high risk for delirium implemented a comprehensive nutritional intervention. The program, led by a nurse-led interdisciplinary team with dietitian oversight, significantly improved delirium incidence, duration, severity, and functional recovery at discharge.

Results: Following implementation, delirium incidence decreased significantly from baseline (18.6% vs 37.2%, p<0.001). Among patients experiencing delirium, mean duration decreased from 4.2 to 2.3 days (p=0.002) and severity scores improved by 41%. Nutritional parameters improved substantially, with 76% of participants meeting individualized hydration goals and 68% achieving protein targets. Length of stay decreased by 2.1 days (p=0.01), and functional independence measures at discharge improved by 24% compared to historical controls.

Conclusion: Strategic nutritional interventions significantly reduced delirium burden and improved clinical outcomes in older adults across care settings. Findings support integration of comprehensive nutritional approaches into standard delirium prevention protocols, representing a cost-effective, non-pharmacological strategy to improve quality of care for this vulnerable population.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared