Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Jan 2011
Management and outcomes of delirious patients with hyperactive symptoms in a secured behavioral unit jointly used by geriatricians and pyschogeriatricians.
To compare the clinical outcomes and length of stay (LOS) between delirious patients with hyperactive symptoms admitted directly and those admitted indirectly from Emergency Department into a secured, behavioral unit jointly used by geriatricians and pyschogeriatricians (the Unit). A retrospective study analyzing data from the medical records of 122 patients with an admission diagnosis of delirium with hyperactive symptoms and subsequently discharged from the Unit, including restraint, one-to-one nursing care, falls, absconding, duration of delirium, recovery from delirium, destination and LOS. Significantly fewer patients with direct admission (n=68) required physical restraint or chemical restraint compared with those transferred (n=54). ⋯ The falls rate reduced from 14.2 to 6.7 falls/1000 patient delirium days after transfer. Delirious patients with hyperactive symptoms admitted directly to the Unit fared better in clinical outcomes and LOS. They also required less restraint, less intensive nursing and were unlikely to abscond compared to those transferred.