THE ASSESSMENT OF ACUTE CONFUSION AS PART OF NURSING-CARE

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.