3114 A rehabilitation intervention to improve recovery after an episode of delirium in adults over 65 years (RecoverED)

Abstract Introduction Delirium, a common cognitive disorder in hospitalised older adults, prolongs stays and increases costs. However, research on post-discharge rehabilitation interventions is limited despite its importance. This study examined the feasibility of a home-based rehabilitation intervention designed to enhance recovery outcomes for older individuals after hospital discharge following delirium, aiming to inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods Mixed-methods design with an embedded process evaluation (reported separately) to assess the intervention’s feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability. Participants over 65, diagnosed with delirium during hospitalisation, were recruited from six NHS hospitals across the UK. The intervention started within two weeks of discharge and consisted of personalised rehabilitation sessions delivered by healthcare professionals. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence rates, and participant acceptability, with data collected through standardised measures. Results Nineteen participants, with a mean age of 84.98 years (SD = 6.49), were recruited, (all White British). Of 308 individuals with delirium, only 36 (11.7%) met eligibility criteria; among these, 24 were approached, and 19 (79%) of these consented to participate. Among those, 68% started the intervention, but only 53% completed at least six sessions, and 47% remained by the final follow-up. Initial assessments occurred an average of 18 days (SD = 13.01) post-discharge, with 77% completed within 14 days. Participants averaged eight sessions (SD = 2.9). Primary outcome data collection was 89.5% at baseline and 100% at the 6-month follow-up. The economic evaluation indicated a total cost of £1249.29 per participant, covering assessments, intervention sessions, and training costs. Conclusions The RecoverED intervention showed feasibility among older adults recovering from delirium, as evidenced by the trial processes for participants who entered the study. However, recruitment challenges indicate a need for better strategies, and further research through a definitive RCT to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.