Family-centered delirium prevention and treatment using video calls: the FACE Delirium trial

Abstract

Purpose: In the FACE Delirium trial, we investigated the feasibility of a structured FAmily-CEntered delirium prevention and treatment during the corona pandemic. Methods: Patients hospitalized in a German geriatric medicine department were included in this single-center, prospective, single-arm feasibility study. Their relatives received a short training on delirium and volunteers or paid staff members facilitated video calls. The primary endpoint was reached when contact between patients and their relatives occurred on ≥ 80% of treatment days, either via video call or visit. Results: 38 patients were included (age 83.0 ± 5.9 years; 73.7% women). 76.3% reached the primary endpoint. Due to the pandemic, 99.3% of the contacts were video calls with a duration of 24.8 ± 16.3 min. Conclusion: Family-centered delirium prevention and treatment using video calls is feasible among hospitalized geriatric patients. Daily implementation in clinical practice poses challenges and requires motivated and qualified staff.