Older adults who become acutely confused when hospitalized present cha
llenges to nurses because of their increased care needs and risk for i
njury. This study evaluated the feasibility of introducing the NEECHAM
Confusion Scale as part of usual nursing care as a first step in impr
oving nurses' ability to assess, prevent, and manage acute confusion i
n hospitalized older adults. By addressing several of the factors that
influence adoption and continuation a new practice, this study found
that staff nurses could successfully use the NEECHAM Confusion Scale.
(C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.