Co-production of a delirium rehabilitation program for older adults
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Theme / Track
Health, medical and integrated care
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Background: Delirium affects 20–40% of hospitalised older adults and is linked to adverse outcomes, including dementia (OR = 5.4) following hospitalisation; however, there is no standard delirium rehabilitation program. We co-produced Help After Leaving HospiTal (HALT) to reduce cognitive decline and frailty.
Methods: HALT is underpinned by principles of being theoretically grounded, scalable, and tailored. The multistage co-production process has included people who have experienced delirium and their carers, health professionals along with content experts across: (i) initial consultations (2020/21), (ii) focus groups and interviews (2024/25), and (iii) workshops (2025). The program format, content, and resources have been shaped by thematic analysis of focus group, interview, and workshop data.
Results: Focus groups and interviews (2024–25) highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach, improved delirium education, and engagement of support persons. Workshops (2025–26) emphasised the importance of enhanced user support, assisting carers, and strengthening linkages between the program, users, and hospitals. The program comprises three essential modules (delirium education, vision and hearing, and medication) and five optional modules (cognitive engagement, physical activity, wellbeing, sleep, and nutrition and hydration), along with a support person booklet. Each module integrates education, goal setting, self-management strategies, and motivational interviewing to enhance engagement and long-term behaviour change. The program is primarily designed for remote delivery.
Conclusion: Despite being an indicator of healthcare quality (Standard 8; Delirium Clinical Care Standards), there is no evidence-based care pathway for delirium patients after hospital discharge. Future research will evaluate the implementation and efficacy of the program.
Keywords
Rehabilitation
Authors
Dr Courtney R Davis, Adelaide University
Dr Melissa J Hull, Adelaide University
Danielle Greaves, Adelaide University
Hannah A D Keage, Adelaide University