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245 Delirium Incidence in Hip Fracture Patients: Awareness on the Orthopaedic Ward


 
 
 Postoperative delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric condition that occurs in up to 65% of hip fracture patients(1). However, it remains poorly recognised as a postoperative surgical complication despite its association with increased mortality, longer length of stay (LOS), cognitive decline and increased risk of discharge institutionalisation.
 
 
 
 As part of the delirium audit, all hip fracture patient notes were reviewed from Oct-Nov 2017 pre-implementation of an Orthogeriatric Service and Oct-Nov 2018 post-implementation. Documentation of delirium or use of the terms ‘new confusion, altered attention, change in behaviour’ in the orthopaedic, orthogeriatric and allied health professional notes were reviewed. The 4AT was used to routinely screen for delirium in the pre-and post-operative period by the Orthogeriatrics team(2).
 
 
 
 The number of patients in the 2017 group was 24, mean age 78, female 76% compared with 25 in the 2018 group, mean age 75.9, female 81%. In 2017, delirium was diagnosed in 4% of patients by the Orthopaedic surgeons and 37.5% by Allied Health Professionals. In 2018 delirium was diagnosed in 4% by the Orthopaedic surgeons, 40% by Allied Health Professionals and 44% by the Orthogeriatrics team in 2018. Pre-operative delirium occurred in 16% of patients and postoperative delirium occurred in 44% of patients in 2018. A clear delirium management plan was documented in 0% of charts in 2017 versus 100% in 2018. LOS in 2017 was 12.7 days vs 12.4 in 2018. However, discharge location varied greatly with 33.3% discharged to convalescence in 2017 versus 19% in 2018, 12.5% to Longterm care in 2017 versus 4% in 2018, 20.8% to rehabilitation in 2017 vs 52% in 2018 and 16.7% home in 2017 vs 24% in 2018.
 
 
 
 Prompt diagnosis and management of delirium is essential in optimising postoperative cognitive function and preserving independence. Our study highlights the need for routine delirium screening and improved awareness of delirium amongst all healthcare professionals.
