READI-SET-GO: Faster delirium detection to support geriatric care
Official title: READI-SET-GO: Researching Efficient Approaches to Delirium Identification - Sustaining Effective Translation to create Gero-friendly Organizations
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11373018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at older adults, this project tests a quick screening approach to find delirium early in hospitals to help prevent harm and improve outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2008 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $748,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG030618-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (average age ~80) in hospital settings, including a substantial portion with ADRD/ADRD-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Hospitalized older adults without delirium risk or those in settings where delirium screening is not routinely used may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a proven two-step delirium screening approach (UB-CAM) that pairs a brief UB-2 screen with a validated diagnostic tool (3D-CAM). It enrolled about 527 patients with an average age of 80 across two hospitals, with close to 153 delirium days evaluated through reference standards and real-world clinician assessments. The study measured feasibility, speed, and accuracy across doctors, nurses, and aides, showing the method is fast (about 1 minute 15 seconds) and highly accurate (around 89%). Qualitative work explored what helps or hinders implementing delirium screening in routine care. The overarching goal is to enable full-scale, real-world adoption of effective delirium identification in geriatric settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, hospitals could detect delirium more reliably and quickly, leading to fewer adverse events and better recovery for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier READI work showed high feasibility and accuracy, supporting expansion to full-scale implementation.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fick, Donna Marie — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Fick, Donna Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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READI-SET-GO: Improving Delirium Screening for Hospitalized Older Adults
A hospital-based program tests how well routine nurse delirium screening using UB-CAM works when integrated into the electronic health record to improve outcomes for older patients.
-
Continuous wearable monitor with AI to prevent agitation and delirium in hospitalized older adults
A wearable sensor and AI system will continuously track agitation in older hospital patients to help prevent delirium and protect brain health.
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Low brain changes from anesthesia may signal early Alzheimer's risk
A study at Stanford will look at whether brain responses to anesthesia during surgery reveal early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease and delirium risk in people aged 65 and up.
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Why dementia and sudden confusion (delirium) often happen together
This project looks at brain electrical signals and chemical changes to find why people with dementia sometimes develop sudden confusion called delirium.
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AKI-related delirium after heart surgery
This grant funds research to understand why some people develop delirium after heart surgery when they also have acute kidney injury.
-
Lipocalin-2 and delirium after surgery in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
A study at Duke University looks at how an inflammatory protein called lipocalin-2 may trigger delirium after surgery, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.