TY - JOUR A1 - Sánchez, Alba A1 - Thomas, Christine A1 - Deeken, Friederike A1 - Wagner, Sören A1 - Klöppel, Stefan A1 - Kentischer, Felix A1 - von Arnim, Chrstine A. F. A1 - Denkinger, Michael A1 - Conzelmann, Lars O. A1 - Biermann-Stallwitz, Janine A1 - Joos, Stefanie A1 - Sturm, Heidrun A1 - Metz, Brigitte A1 - Auer, Ramona A1 - Skrobik, Yoanna A1 - Eschweiler, Gerhard W. A1 - Rapp, Michael Armin T1 - Patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life T2 - Trials N2 - Background Postoperative delirium is a common disorder in older adults that is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, prolonged cognitive impairment, development of dementia, higher institutionalization rates, and rising healthcare costs. The probability of delirium after surgery increases with patients’ age, with pre-existing cognitive impairment, and with comorbidities, and its diagnosis and treatment is dependent on the knowledge of diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and treatment options of the medical staff. In this study, we will investigate whether a cross-sectoral and multimodal intervention for preventing delirium can reduce the prevalence of delirium and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) in patients older than 70 years undergoing elective surgery. Additionally, we will analyze whether the intervention is cost-effective. Methods The study will be conducted at five medical centers (with two or three surgical departments each) in the southwest of Germany. The study employs a stepped-wedge design with cluster randomization of the medical centers. Measurements are performed at six consecutive points: preadmission, preoperative, and postoperative with daily delirium screening up to day 7 and POCD evaluations at 2, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Recruitment goals are to enroll 1500 patients older than 70 years undergoing elective operative procedures (cardiac, thoracic, vascular, proximal big joints and spine, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and general elective surgery procedures. Discussion Results of the trial should form the basis of future standards for preventing delirium and POCD in surgical wards. Key aims are the improvement of patient safety and quality of life, as well as the reduction of the long-term risk of conversion to dementia. Furthermore, from an economic perspective, we expect benefits and decreased costs for hospitals, patients, and healthcare insurances. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00013311. Registered on 10 November 2017. KW - Cross-sectoral care KW - Delirium prevention KW - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction KW - Dementia KW - Older patients KW - Elective surgery KW - Quality of life KW - Cost-effectiveness Y1 - 2019 UR - https://publishup.uni-potsdam.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/42487 SN - 1468-6694 SN - 1745-6215 SN - 1468-6708 VL - 20 IS - 71 PB - BioMed Central CY - London ER -