Hospitals in the home for patients with delirium: No place like home?
Background: Management of patients with delirium presents a challenge. Aims: Supported discharge with Hospital in the Home (HITH) for patients with delirium was developed and evaluated. Methods: Patients admitted acutely to internal medicine and geriatrics, with a diagnosis of delirium were considered for HITH. Patients with a full time career and who lived in their own residence were eligible for the program. Delirium was diagnosed using CAM. Outcomes were compared against historical control. All data was collected prospectively. Results: A total of 89 patients (9.2 per cent) were diagnosed with delirium. Of 31 patients eligible for HITH, 17 had suitable carers. Sixteen patient caregiver teams were successfully discharged on HITH. Age, frailty score, length of stay and readmissions did not vary significantly between the intervention and control group (N=7) Thirteen patient carers provided feedback and which was supportive of the intervention. Conclusion: This innovative model of care was feasible and well received. Further studies are recommended.