October 15, 2024

New Paper: Benefits of an automated postoperative delirium risk prediction tool combined with non-pharmacological delirium prevention on delirium incidence and length of stay: A before-after analysis based on a quality improvement project

Zurich, Switzerland – October 2024 – PIPRA AG is celebrating a significant accomplishment following the publication of a study in the prestigious journal Age &Ageing. The research showcases the success of PIPRA’s automated delirium risk prediction tool and the company’s innovative approach to managing postoperative delirium (POD) in older patients. Conducted at a Swiss private hospital, the quality improvement project demonstrated a reduction in delirium incidence, length of stay (LOS), and nursing time through targeted, non-pharmacological prevention measures.

While PIPRA’s automated clinical decision support tool plays a critical role, this is just one aspect of a much broader solution. The study reflectsand validates the first version of PIPRA’s holistic approach to delirium. Since the publication newer iterations have further refined the process for even greater impact. Today, PIPRA’s full 12-week program integrates, data driven decision making, e-learning modules for clinicians (offering credits inSwitzerland) and robust change management strategies.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the study is its demonstration of thereal-world clinical benefits that can result from using PIPRA’s predictive model, beyond the validation of the tool itself. While it is common to show the effectiveness of a prediction model, it is significantly more challenging to illustrate how knowledge of patient risk leads to measurable improvements inoutcomes through non-pharmacological interventions. The project, implemented ina 335-bed hospital, included comprehensive staff training and policy-driven prevention strategies targeted at medium-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in LOS (by 1.36 days) and nursing time (19.3 hours).

This publication is a testament to the importance of tackling delirium withan all-encompassing approach. Hospitals aiming to take control of delirium should consider reaching out to PIPRA AG to explore how the program can betailored to their needs.

Thanks and Acknowledgements: We would like to extend ourdeepest thanks to the clinical staff, especially the nurses, whose dedication made this project a success. The nurses played a crucial role in implementing the non-pharmacological preventive actions that reduced delirium risk. Their hard work, from patient education to continuous monitoring, was fundamental in realizing these clinical outcomes. PIPRA AG appreciates the tireless efforts ofall the healthcare professionals involved in this transformative initiative.

Key Highlights:

  • PIPRA achieves a major milestone with the publication in Age & Ageing: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae219
  • The study validates PIPRA’s holistic approach, showing how risk prediction combined with non-pharmacological interventions significantly impacts clinical outcomes.
  • PIPRA’s 12-week delirium prevention program, featuring e-learning and change management, is a further refinement of the quality improvement project described in the publication.
  • The study shows that that a non-pharmacological prevention package, based on PIPRA’s automated risk assessment, leads to meaningful clinical improvements including reducing delirium incidence by 29%
  • Age & Ageing is the perfect platform for this publication, reaching experts focused on delirium prevention.

For more information on PIPRA’s solutions or to discuss partnership opportunities, visit https://pipra.ch/

About PIPRA AG: PIPRA AG specializes in delivering cutting-edge, CE-certified clinical decision support systems, with a particular focus on delirium risk prediction and prevention in older patients. Its comprehensive, multi-component approach aims to improve patient outcomes through both technological innovation and hospital-wide changes.