RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Retrospective Evaluation of Delirium Data From Previous Study Patients for Studies at the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine CCM/CVK/CBF

This research project is looking back at information from earlier studies conducted at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine. The main goal is to create a careful record of all the details about a condition called delirium in patients aged 18 to 100 years. Delirium is a state of confusion that can happen to people, often when they are unwell or after surgery. Scientists want to understand better what factors might lead to someone developing delirium. Specifically, one part of the study will focus on older patients (aged 60 and above) who have had different types of surgery. It will look at why some older men and women might be more likely to experience delirium after an operation, and how severe it might be for them.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Enrolment target

5,000

Start

23 May 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Delirium

What is this study about?

This study is a bit like looking through old diaries and medical notes to learn more about a specific health issue. Researchers at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine are going through records from their previous studies. The health issue they are focusing on is called delirium. Delirium is a serious state of confusion that comes on suddenly and can make people feel very disoriented, have trouble paying attention, or even see and hear things that aren't there. It's often temporary but can be very distressing for patients and their families, especially after surgery or during serious illness.

The main aim of this project is to build a detailed collection of information about delirium from patients aged 18 to 100 years who were part of those earlier studies. By bringing all this information together, the researchers hope to understand what kinds of things might make someone more likely to develop delirium. Knowing these 'risk factors' could help doctors prevent delirium in the future or treat it more effectively when it does happen.

A special part of the study will look closely at older patients, specifically those aged 60 and above, who have had surgery. The team wants to see if there are any differences between men and women in terms of what makes them susceptible to delirium after an operation, known as 'postoperative delirium'. They will also investigate if men and women experience different levels of severity of delirium. This information is important because older people are more vulnerable to delirium, and understanding these differences could lead to better care for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study is reviewing old patient data, not recruiting new patients.
It aims to understand what causes delirium, a state of confusion.
Researchers are particularly looking at delirium after surgery in older men and women.
All patient information used will be anonymised to protect privacy.
The goal is to improve prevention and treatment of delirium for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from people who have already taken part in other studies at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (CCM/CVK/CBF).

To be included in this review, the original study participants must have been aged 18 years or older. Both men and women are included in the data analysis.

Essentially, if you were a patient aged 18 or over in a previous study at this specific clinic, your anonymous data might be part of this current research. You don't need to do anything to be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did I participate in a previous study at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine CCM/CVK/CBF?
Was I aged 18 or older at the time of that study?
Am I aware that my anonymised data from that study might be used for this new research?
Do I understand that I don't need to do anything for this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a 'retrospective' research project, which means researchers are looking back at information that has already been collected from previous studies. This is not a study where new patients are being recruited or asked to do anything. If you participated in an earlier study at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and met the age criteria, your anonymised details might be included in this new analysis. You won't have any appointments, special assessments, medication, or follow-up related to this particular study. Your involvement would simply be through the re-analysis of your existing, de-identified medical records.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves reviewing existing, anonymised patient data, there are no direct risks or benefits to individual patients. Your personal identity will be protected, and your care will not be affected. The potential benefit is to the wider medical community and future patients: by understanding more about delirium, doctors may be better able to prevent and treat this condition, especially in older people after surgery. You also don't need to 'withdraw' as you are not actively participating in terms of providing new information or undergoing new tests.

Locations (1)

Department of Anaesthesiolgy and Intensive Care Medicine CVK/CCM, Charité - Univeristy Medicine Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is delirium?

Delirium is a sudden state of confusion that can make it hard to think clearly, pay attention, or understand what's happening around you. It's often temporary.

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers at the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine CCM/CVK/CBF.

Do I need to do anything to participate?

No, you don't need to do anything. This study looks at old records, so no new patient involvement is required.

How will my privacy be protected?

All the patient information used in this study will be kept anonymous, meaning your personal details will not be identifiable.

Why is this study important?

It helps us learn more about what causes delirium and how it affects different people, especially after surgery, which could lead to better care in the future.

How to find out more

Claudia Spies, MD Prof.

claudia.spies@charite.de +49 30 450 55 11 02 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.