Understanding factors influencing postoperative delirium in older patients

Accompanying Scientific Program for the Quality Contract Prevention of Postoperative Delirium in the Care of Older Patients (WB-QC-POD)

Observational Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT05847010

This study looks at how different factors, like body clock and heart rate, might affect the chances of older patients experiencing confusion after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages70 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other
Locations1 site (Berlin)
Trial IDNCT05847010 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project aims to explore the relationship between various factors and the development of postoperative delirium in older patients. It will investigate the internal circadian time, heart rate variability, and other secondary goals to gain insights into their associations with delirium rates. The study will analyze data from patients who have previously participated in the QC-POD program, focusing on perioperative conditions and physiological parameters. By examining these connections, the project seeks to enhance the understanding of delirium in the surgical context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 70 years and older who are undergoing elective or non-elective surgery and have provided informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are moribund, have cardiac arrhythmias, or insufficient knowledge of the German language may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prevention strategies for postoperative delirium in older patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in exploring factors related to postoperative delirium, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 70 years
* Male and female patients
* Patients who have been included in QC-POD
* Eligible patients\* for inclusion: informed consent by the patient, preoperatively with verbal and written informed consent before the start of data collection
* Incapacitated patients for inclusion: Written informed consent by a legal representative
* surgery (elective and not elective)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Moribund patients (palliative situation)
* Insufficient knowledge of the German language
* Cardiac arrhythmia (e.g. atrial fibrillation)
* Presence of a pacemaker
* Condition after heart transplantation
* Inflammation in the area of the frontal sinus

Where this trial is running

Berlin

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 Postoperative Delirium
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.