{"title":"Strategies to improve communication with older adults experiencing delirium in emergency departments: A systematic review","authors":"Walaa Badawy , Mostafa Shaban","doi":"10.1016/j.colegn.2025.07.003","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Effective communication with older adults experiencing delirium in emergency departments (EDs) is crucial for optimal patient care. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers and enablers to communication with this population and synthesise evidence on effective strategies that support both communication and delirium management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on communication with older adults experiencing delirium in EDs. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers to effective communication included cognitive impairments, environmental factors, time constraints, and lack of staff training. Enablers included the use of standardised screening tools, multicomponent interventions, and specialised staff education. Environmental modifications and the involvement of family members were also found to enhance communication. The review highlighted the importance of early delirium detection and the effectiveness of structured communication protocols in supporting overall delirium management.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Effective communication with older adults experiencing delirium in EDs requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing routine screening, providing targeted staff training, and adopting person-centred care principles can significantly improve outcomes. Future research should focus on developing and validating ED-specific communication strategies that also support comprehensive delirium care, incorporating patient and family perspectives.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>Findings emphasise the need for healthcare providers to prioritise delirium education, implement standardised screening protocols, and create delirium-friendly ED environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55241,"journal":{"name":"Collegian","volume":"32 5","pages":"Pages 302-311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Collegian","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1322769625000484","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"NURSING","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Effective communication with older adults experiencing delirium in emergency departments (EDs) is crucial for optimal patient care. This systematic review aimed to identify barriers and enablers to communication with this population and synthesise evidence on effective strategies that support both communication and delirium management.
Methods
A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on communication with older adults experiencing delirium in EDs. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.
Results
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers to effective communication included cognitive impairments, environmental factors, time constraints, and lack of staff training. Enablers included the use of standardised screening tools, multicomponent interventions, and specialised staff education. Environmental modifications and the involvement of family members were also found to enhance communication. The review highlighted the importance of early delirium detection and the effectiveness of structured communication protocols in supporting overall delirium management.
Conclusion
Effective communication with older adults experiencing delirium in EDs requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing routine screening, providing targeted staff training, and adopting person-centred care principles can significantly improve outcomes. Future research should focus on developing and validating ED-specific communication strategies that also support comprehensive delirium care, incorporating patient and family perspectives.
Implications
Findings emphasise the need for healthcare providers to prioritise delirium education, implement standardised screening protocols, and create delirium-friendly ED environments.
期刊介绍:
Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research is the official journal of Australian College of Nursing (ACN).
The journal aims to reflect the broad interests of nurses and the nursing profession, and to challenge nurses on emerging areas of interest. It publishes research articles and scholarly discussion of nursing practice, policy and professional issues.
Papers published in the journal are peer reviewed by a double blind process using reviewers who meet high standards of academic and clinical expertise. Invited papers that contribute to nursing knowledge and debate are published at the discretion of the Editor.
The journal, online only from 2016, is available to members of ACN and also by separate subscription.
ACN believes that each and every nurse in Australia should have the opportunity to grow their career through quality education, and further our profession through representation. ACN is the voice of influence, providing the nursing expertise and experience required when government and key stakeholders are deciding the future of health.