Daily nurse screening for delirium in hospitalized older adults

READI-SET-GO:Researching Efficient Approaches to Delirium Identification-Sustaining Effective Translation to Create Gero Friendly Organizations

Not applicable Interventional Penn State University · NCT05915377

This study is testing if daily screenings for delirium by nurses can help improve care and outcomes for older adults in hospitals.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1050 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPenn State University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05915377 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to implement daily nurse screening for delirium using the UB-CAM tool in routine care across six general medicine and surgery units at three hospitals in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The study will utilize a stepped-wedge design, launching the screening in a new unit every six months over a 42-month period. Researchers will assess the fidelity, accuracy, and sustainability of the screening process, as well as its impact on patient outcomes and complications related to delirium. Data will be collected through electronically captured outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and qualitative interviews with staff and care partners.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized adults aged 70 or older who are expected to stay in the hospital for three or more days.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to communicate adequately in English or those admitted for terminal care may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification and management of delirium in older hospitalized patients, potentially reducing complications and enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar delirium screening approaches, indicating potential for effective implementation in clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* General medicine (hospitalist) service
* Age 70 or older
* Expected hospital length of stay of 3 or more days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to communicate adequately in English
* Admitted for terminal care

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DeliriumDelirium in Old AgeDelirium With DementiaDelirium Superimposed on DementiaConfusionAltered Mental StatusAcute Metabolic EncephalopathyImplementation
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.