ADEPT: Advancing Delirium Emergency Pathways and Treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Advancing Delirium Emergency Pathways and Treatment (ADEPT)
IRAS ID
353828
Contact name
Nathan Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
The Advancing Delirium Emergency Pathways and Treatment (ADEPT) project aims to understand and improve care for older adults experiencing delirium (a sudden, serious change in attention, awareness, and thinking) in Emergency Departments (EDs). Delirium is common and dangerous in older ED patients, leading to longer hospital stays and increased mortality, yet it is often missed. The busy ED environment itself can also worsen this condition. Better understanding of these challenges is crucial for improving patient safety and reducing pressure on emergency services.
This National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Programme Development Grant (PDG) will last 18 months. It uses a human-centred, systems-engineering approach (called SEIPS) to examine how people, environments, tools, and tasks interact and impact care. The study will recruit a total of 90 participants, including patients who have experienced delirium in the ED, their carers, and healthcare professionals. Recruitment will take place at two Barts Health NHS Trust hospitals in North-East London: Whipps Cross Hospital and Royal London Hospital.
Participants will take part in semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and workshops. They will share their experiences to help map care journeys, identify what helps or hinders good care, and co-produce a "core outcome set". This work will involve active Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) to ensure diverse perspectives are included. This project will inform a larger future application for an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research (PGfAR), with the goal of developing practical interventions to improve patient safety, reduce ED pressures, and enhance outcomes for people with delirium. Participation risks are minimal, and individuals may find it empowering to help shape better care. Queen Mary University of London is the sponsor of the study.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0048
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion