Launch of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard 2021 - Declared 2021 Conference

Summary

Gideon Caplan, President of the Australasian Delirium Association, opens the Declared 2021 conference by acknowledging the hard work of previous conference chairs, Alison and Andy, amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic. He proudly launches the second edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard, highlighting its impact on improving delirium recognition, diagnosis, and care across Australia. The new standards emphasize patient-centered care and the avoidance of antipsychotic use. Caplan encourages healthcare professionals to embrace these guidelines and thanks the Commission and contributors for their role in improving delirium care nationwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conference is being introduced by Gideon Caplan, President of the Australasian Delirium Association.
• 😀 Acknowledgement of the hard work of the previous two speakers, Alison and Andy, who have managed the conference committee during challenging COVID-19 circumstances.
• 😀 The importance of recognizing and respecting the traditional landowners wherever the conference attendees are based in Australia.
• 😀 Gideon Caplan is launching the second edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard at Declared 2021.
• 😀 The first edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard was launched at the 2016 conference, and the second edition aims to further improve delirium management in Australia.
• 😀 The Delirium Clinical Care Standard aims to reduce the incidence, severity, and duration of delirium in at-risk patients.
• 😀 Since the launch of the first edition, 85% of survey respondents have made changes in their organizations to implement the Standards, showing widespread commitment to improving delirium care.
• 😀 92% of those who implemented the Standards reported an improvement in the quality of care for delirium patients.
• 😀 The revised Standards include strengthened quality statements regarding the prevention of complications of care and the use of antipsychotic medications in delirium patients.
• 😀 The Commission has seen a high rate of adherence to the Delirium Clinical Care Standards, with 72-73% of institutions meeting key requirements for accreditation.
• 😀 The Commission plays a crucial national role in improving healthcare safety and quality, and clinicians across Australia are encouraged to use the new resources available on their website to improve delirium care.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard launched at Declared 2021?

The Delirium Clinical Care Standard aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of delirium in patients, reducing its severity and duration. It is a major step in the management of delirium in Australia, marking a milestone in healthcare practices.

What is the history behind the Delirium Clinical Care Standards?

The first edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard was launched in 2016. The second edition, launched in 2021, builds on the progress made by the first edition in improving the recognition, diagnosis, and management of delirium across Australia.

How have the Delirium Clinical Care Standards impacted healthcare organizations in Australia?

A survey showed that 85% of respondents have implemented changes to their organization’s practices following the introduction of the Delirium Clinical Care Standards. This demonstrates widespread adoption and a commitment to improving care for delirium patients.

What does the 2021 edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard include?

The 2021 edition includes stronger statements regarding the prevention of complications and the avoidance of antipsychotic medications for delirium patients. It also introduces a new quality statement focused on providing patient-centered information and support to reduce distress and symptoms of delirium.

Why is it important to prevent the use of antipsychotic medications in delirium care?

The use of antipsychotic medications is generally not recommended for delirium patients as they can worsen the condition or cause other complications. The revised standards aim to minimize their use in favor of other, more effective management strategies.

How does the Delirium Clinical Care Standard relate to the Comprehensive Care Standard?

The Delirium Clinical Care Standard is part of the Comprehensive Care Standard, specifically under sections 5.29 and 5.30. This integration ensures that delirium care is prioritized within the broader framework of healthcare quality and safety.

What are the results from the national assessment of hospitals regarding delirium care?

From January 2019 to July 2021, 72% of institutions met the requirements for action 5.29, and 73% met the requirements for action 5.30. Additionally, 85% met the requirements for action 8.05, which focuses on recognizing acute deterioration, indicating positive outcomes from the implementation of the standards.

What resources are available to healthcare professionals to support the implementation of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard?

The Commission offers various resources, including guidelines, protocols, and training materials, which are available on the Commission's website. These resources assist healthcare professionals in adopting the standards and improving delirium care.

Who are some of the key contributors to the development of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard?

Professor Sue Kurrle and Anne Cumming were pivotal in drafting the 2021 edition of the Delirium Clinical Care Standard. Their leadership and efforts were integral to the successful revision and implementation of the standards.

What is the role of the Commission in improving healthcare safety and quality?

The Commission plays a national role in leading improvements in healthcare safety and quality, aiming to ensure that care is appropriate, effective, and patient-centered. This includes enhancing practices like delirium management through standards like the Delirium Clinical Care Standard.