Published: 2015. Next review: 2025.
Confusion or cognitive impairment is a common condition for older people in hospital. More than 30% of older people present with or develop confusion during their admission, most commonly as a result of dementia and delirium.
The hospital experience can be extremely distressing for older people with confusion, their carers, families and healthcare staff. Care of Confused Hospitalised Older Persons (CHOPs) aims to improve the experiences and outcomes of confused older people in hospital.
CHOPs Key Principles
PRINCIPLE 1:
Undertake cognitive screening
PRINCIPLE 2:
Delirium risk identification and preventive measures
PRINCIPLE 3:
Assessment of older people with confusion
PRINCIPLE 4:
Management of older people with confusion
PRINCIPLE 5:
Effective communication to enhance care
PRINCIPLE 6:
Staff education
PRINCIPLE 7:
Supportive care environment