Preventing postoperative delirium in frail elderly patients undergoing elective surgery

Impact of Non-pharmacological Measures Applied by the Nursing Team in Reducing the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium During the Postoperative and 24hr After Surgery in Frail Elderly Undergoing Elective Non-cardiac Surgeries.

Not applicable Interventional Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile · NCT05993754

This study is testing whether special care from nurses can help frail elderly patients avoid confusion after surgery compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Academic / other
Locations1 site (Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan)
Trial IDNCT05993754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on frail and pre-frail elderly individuals over 65 years old who are scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia. It aims to assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions implemented by nursing teams to prevent postoperative delirium (POD) compared to traditional care. Participants will undergo various assessments, including frailty and cognitive tests, before being randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive specific non-pharmacological care aimed at enhancing their orientation and comfort during the surgical process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are frail or pre-frail individuals aged 65 and older undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or those undergoing neurosurgery, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in frail elderly patients, improving their recovery and overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium in elderly patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients older than 65 years
* Elective non-cardiac surgery
* General anesthesia with Bilateral BIS electroencephalographic monitoring or SedLine
* ASA I, II or III.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurosurgical patients
* History of alcohol and/or drug abuse
* History of recreational psychoactive drug use
* Allergy to anesthetic drugs.

Where this trial is running

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan

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 Frail Elderly SyndromePrimary PreventionPostoperative DeliriumFrailtyDeliriumNon-pharmacologicalElderlyNursing
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.