Clinical decision support system and incidence of delirium in cognitively impaired older adults transferred to intensive care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Elderly patients with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of developing delirium, especially in the intensive care unit.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based clinical decision support system that recommends consulting a geriatrician and discontinuing use of urinary catheters, physical restraints, and unnecessary anticholinergic drugs in reducing the incidence of delirium.

Methods

Data for a subgroup of patients enrolled in a large clinical trial who were transferred to the intensive care units of a tertiary-care, urban public hospital in Indianapolis were analyzed. Data were collected on frequency of orders for consultation with a geriatrician; discontinuation of urinary catheterization, physical restraints, or anticholinergic drugs

SUBMITTER: Khan BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3752665 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature