Contemp Nurse
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Delirium remains a commonly occurring problem for older people and staff in acute care settings. The aim of this review of current literature is to find contemporary evidence on which to base practice modalities. Although the literature provides an exposition of the concerns with which practitioners are currently faced and highlights the consistent themes identified, there is little research evidence regarding the effectiveness of treatment protocols for the management of older people with delirium in acute care setting.
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That the population is ageing poses many challenges for health care planners. Some argue that these challenges, exacerbated by limited funding, maintaining increased community expectations and the need for quality health care outcomes, may be overcome by exploring alternate models of care. These ideas have led health planners to reconceptualise contemporary philosophies of care with the current emphasis on multidisciplinary teams and a person-centred approach to care. ⋯ In the model the care of older people is underpinned by a philosophy of person-centredness. The complex nature of care is represented along with those factors that enable a person-centred approach to be taken. The functions of the model in practice are highlighted and discussion of how it is being implemented within the acute care sector outlined.