Finding ways to screen older adults for delirium in emergency departments

Identifying Implementation Strategies for Emergency Department (ED) Delirium Screening in Older Adults

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10704121

This study is looking at how to better spot delirium in older adults who come to the emergency room, by talking to doctors and watching how things work, so we can find ways to make it easier to recognize and help those patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10704121 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to effectively implement delirium screening for older adults in emergency departments, where the condition often goes undetected. By conducting interviews with clinicians and observing practices in a busy urban emergency department, the study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to screening. The goal is to develop strategies that can be integrated into the fast-paced environment of emergency care, ultimately improving the recognition and management of delirium in older patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who present to emergency departments and may be at risk for delirium.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not present to emergency departments will likely not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better detection and treatment of delirium in older adults, improving their health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that implementing screening protocols in emergency settings can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.