Non-pharmacological prevention of delirium in older adults in long term care: a scoping study

Abstract

Background: Non-pharmacological multicomponent interventions for the prevention of delirium have been well studied in the acute care setting. Less is known however, regarding this approach in long term care environment. Aim: The purpose was to systematically synthesize evidence pertaining to non-pharmacological nursing interventions for the prevention of delirium among older adults residing in long term care settings. Methods: This study used a scoping review methodology guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework. A total of eight academic databases were searched. In addition, reference lists, clinical guidelines, and key journals were searched. To ascertain the nature of the extracted data from reports meeting specific inclusion criteria, descriptive numerical data analysis methods were used. Findings: Results revealed a total of 13 reports; two clinical guidelines, one systematic review, and 10 primary studies. The reviewed evidence examined single rather than multicomponent interventions for the prevention of delirium in the population of interest. Collectively, the heterogeneous and mixed findings addressed hydration, risk reduction and education of staff. Conclusion: The results were stark in contrast to the established body of work regarding nonpharmacological multicomponent approaches in acute care.