Outcomes of a Geriatric Liaison Intervention to Prevent the Development of Postoperative Delirium in Frail Elderly Cancer Patients: Report on a Multicentre,Randomized, Controlled Trial |
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| Authors: | Liesbeth Hempenius Joris P J Slaets Dieneke van Asselt Geertruida H de Bock Theo Wiggers Barbara L van Leeuwen |
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| Institution: | 1. University Center for Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.; 2. Geriatric Center, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.; 3. Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.; 4. Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, T`he Netherlands.; Cardiff University, United Kingdom, |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundDelirium is a serious and common postoperative complication, especially in frail elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a geriatric liaison intervention in comparison with standard care on the incidence of postoperative delirium in frail elderly cancer patients treated with an elective surgical procedure for a solid tumour.MethodsPatients over 65 years of age who were undergoing elective surgery for a solid tumour were recruited to a multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. The patients were randomized to standard treatment versus a geriatric liaison intervention. The intervention consisted of a preoperative geriatric consultation, an individual treatment plan targeted at risk factors for delirium, daily visits by a geriatric nurse during the hospital stay and advice on managing any problems encountered. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium. The secondary outcome measures were the severity of delirium, length of hospital stay, complications, mortality, care dependency, quality of life, return to an independent preoperative living situation and additional care at home.ResultsIn total, the data of 260 patients were analysed. Delirium occurred in 31 patients (11.9%), and there was no significant difference between the incidence of delirium in the intervention group and the usual-care group (9.4% vs. 14.3%, OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.29–1.35).ConclusionsWithin this study, a geriatric liaison intervention based on frailty for the prevention of postoperative delirium in frail elderly cancer patients undergoing elective surgery for a solid tumour has not proven to be effective.Trial RegistrationNederlands Trial Register Trial ID NTR 823 |
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