Digitalized Clinical Decision Support for the Prevention of Postoperative Delirium (POD)
This study is developing a digital system to help doctors and nurses prevent postoperative delirium (POD) in patients aged 70 and over. POD is a common complication after surgery where people can become confused. The digital system will use up-to-date guidelines to give real-time advice, aiming to improve patient safety, reduce hospital workload, and ensure patients receive consistent, high-quality care. This could lead to better recovery and quality of life after hospitalisation. Several smaller studies are also part of this project, looking at how common delirium is and how healthcare staff can best use new digital tools.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're having an important surgery. For some older people, particularly those over 70, there's a risk of becoming confused or disoriented afterwards. This is called postoperative delirium, and it can be unsettling for both patients and their families. It’s not just a short-term issue either; it can affect a person’s quality of life, their need for care, and even their life expectancy once they leave the hospital.
This study, called "Digi-POD," wants to find a better way to prevent this confusion. The researchers are creating a new digital system, like a smart assistant for medical teams. This system will use all the latest healthcare guidelines and advice on preventing delirium, turning them into practical, real-time suggestions based on a patient's information. The main idea is to make sure doctors and nurses have the best tools to keep patients safe and comfortable after surgery.
By creating this digital helper, the goal is to improve patient safety, make it easier for hospitals to follow best practices, reduce pressure on staff, and ultimately, improve the care patients receive. The project also includes smaller studies, such as checking how often delirium happens and understanding how staff feel about using new digital tools. There are also specific substudies looking at how easy and helpful a different app might be for patients at one hospital.
Key takeaways
- Aims to prevent confusion (delirium) after surgery in older patients.
- Developing a smart digital system for healthcare teams.
- Focuses on patients 70 and over having planned surgery.
- Could improve patient safety and recovery after hospitalisation.
- No new medicines, no direct patient interaction with the digital tool.
- You can always choose to stop being part of the study.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for patients who are 70 years old or older and are planning to have an elective (planned) surgery. You'll need to be covered by statutory health insurance and able to understand and agree to take part. If someone has a guardian, the guardian can give consent for them.
However, you can't take part if you have difficulty understanding or speaking the local language, or if you are very ill and not expected to live much longer.
The study also includes relatives. Relatives need to be 18 or older and able to agree to take part. Again, if you can't speak the local language or don't agree for your information to be used, you won't be able to participate as a relative.
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.
- Are you 70 years old or older?
- Are you planning to have an elective (planned) surgery?
- Do you have statutory health insurance?
- Can you understand information and give your consent to join?
- As a relative, are you 18 years old or over?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the main involvement for patients would be undergoing your planned surgery as usual. The digital system being developed will be used by your healthcare team to guide your care, but you won't directly interact with it. Some smaller sub-studies within this project might involve answering questions or completing simple checks, but this would be explained clearly to you beforehand. For relatives, participation might involve providing consent or giving your views if asked. The total duration of participation would be linked to your hospital stay and recovery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Institut für Anästhesiologie und Schmerztherapie-Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW- Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität BochumVerified postcodeBad Oeynhausen, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiolgy and Intensive Care Medicine CCM/CVK, Charite- University BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany
- CARITAS Klinik Maria HeimsuchungVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany
- Klinikum im Friedrichshain - Vivantes - Netzwerk für Gesundheit GmbHVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany
Common questions
What is postoperative delirium?
It's when an older person becomes confused or disoriented after surgery. It can affect their attention and thinking.
Who is this study for?
It's for people aged 70 and over who are having planned surgery and their relatives.
Will I have to take new medicines?
No, this study is about a digital system to help healthcare staff. It doesn't involve new medicines for patients.
What if I change my mind about taking part?
You can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical treatment.
How will this study help patients?
It aims to make surgery safer and improve recovery for older people by preventing confusion and ensuring better care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.