Prevention and Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT): A Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge, Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Delirium, a common, serious and often preventable complication in older hospitalised adults, contributes to significant health and social care costs. Carers are uniquely positioned to identify early signs and support delirium prevention. The Prevention & Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT), a novel model of care designed to educate carers about delirium management and prevention strategies, enables them to actively participate in the care and recovery of their person. Developed through a comprehensive literature review, a co-designed eDelphi and pilot study, PREDICT demonstrated acceptability and feasibility.
AIMS
To evaluate the effectiveness, implementation and cost-benefit of a PREDICT in hospital settings.
METHOD
A stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SW-cRCT), consisting of a cohort study, healthcare service evaluation, and process evaluation. The study will assess carer and staff knowledge of delirium, carer care giving stress, health service outcomes (e.g., incidence, length of stay, readmissions) and cost-benefit.
DISCUSSION
PREDICT is a scalable, person-centred approach that supports both patients and carers, with the potential to embed best-practice delirium management into routine healthcare.
PUBLIC AND PATIENT INVOLVEMENT
This study was developed in consultation with older adults, carers and healthcare staff. Two consumer representatives joined the project steering committee and contributed to shaping the research…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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