Delirium Zero protocol to prevent delirium after hip fracture surgery

Effectiveness of the Delirium Zero Protocol to Prevent the Onset of Delirium in Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Surgery: Randomized Clinical Trial

NA · Cardenal Herrera University · NCT07202208

This trial will try whether a family-led Delirium Zero protocol (orientation poster, wall clock, and a caregiver checklist) can prevent delirium in people over 65 having hip fracture surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCardenal Herrera University (other)
Locations1 site (Valencia, Valencia)
Trial IDNCT07202208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, single-blind, parallel two-arm trial at La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital in Valencia comparing a Delirium Zero intervention delivered by a family caregiver with standard care. The Delirium Zero protocol uses a space-temporal orientation poster, a clock placed near the patient, and a checklist for caregivers to implement preventive measures. Participants are patients aged 65 and older undergoing hip fracture surgery who are accompanied by a literate, Spanish-speaking caregiver. The main outcome is onset of postoperative delirium, with standardized assessments performed during the hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 or older undergoing hip fracture surgery at La Fe Hospital who are accompanied by a literate, Spanish-speaking family caregiver and do not have severe preexisting cognitive or major psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, major psychiatric illness, those already delirious on admission, or those without an available literate Spanish-speaking caregiver are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower rates of postoperative delirium and improve recovery and hospital outcomes for older adults after hip fracture surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Similar multicomponent, orientation-focused and family-involved delirium prevention programs (for example components of the Hospital Elder Life Program) have shown reductions in delirium risk, although the exact Delirium Zero package tested here is a more specific, locally implemented approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The participants will be patients over 65 years old
* Admitted to the orthopedic hospitalization units of the La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital (La Fe health department, Valencia, Spain).
* Who are undergoing surgery for hip fracture
* Accompanied by a family member/caregiver who understands Spanish and knows how to read and write it.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have previously been diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment according to the Pfeiffer scale, which corresponds to a score of 8-10 points.
* Have previously been diagnosed with any serious mental disorder (schizophrenic disorders, schizotypal disorders, persistent delusional disorders, substance-induced delusional disorders, schizoaffective disorders, other non-organic psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, serious depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, and severe recurrent depressive disorders). - that they have delirium at the time of admission to the trauma room.
* That they have a language barrier, deep aphasia, coma, or terminal illness.
* That they have been previously enrolled in this study.
* That before the surgery they were admitted to a different hospital unit than those participating in the study, although they may then be transferred to one of these trauma units.
* That before entering the trauma hospitalization unit, they have been in the emergency room for more than 36 hours.
* That they present brain alterations (tumors, occupying lesions).

Where this trial is running

Valencia, Valencia

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hip Fracture, Delirium - Postoperative, hip fracture, Family, Care, Care Protocol, Delirium, Caregiver

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.