Delirium and Dementia Outreach Team (DDOT) at the Alexandra Centre
We are a multidisciplinary specialist team:- Elder Life Specialist Practitioners (ELSPs), Hospital Elder Life Programme Assistants (HELPAs), Matron, Consultants, Pharmacist. We support patients who are at risk of cognitive difficulties (problems with memory and understanding) such as Delirium and Dementia. The team address quality issues, specifically in relation to Delirium prevention and management. We support patients, carers and staff within South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (based at Sunderland Royal Hospital) by providing information, education and specialist input to patients and wards.
These patients have complex needs requiring specialist input. There is good evidence that therapeutic activity and good care improves outcomes. Our HELPA team provide dedicated focused therapies to our patients at the Alexandra Centre. The therapies consist of structured reminiscence, dancing, singing, exercise, crafting sessions. DDOT are in a vital key position to identifiy those patients at risk of Delirium and those with Dementia who will benefit from the support of the HELPA team. The team also visit patients on the ward to implement HELP (Hospital Elder Life Programme)-visit www.hospitalelderlifeprogram.org/. The programme uses a high touch/low tech system of patient care which also ensures adequate nutrition, hydration, reduction of sensory overload, enhancing mobility.
Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome of brain dysfunction precipitated by acute illness. It is characterised by acute and fluctuating inattention and other cognitive and perceptual deficits. Delirium is common, affecting at least 20% of older hospital inpatients. Delirium is particularly common in older people with cognitive impairment such as Dementia. Delirium is a serious condition that is associated with poor outcomes, however it can be prevented and treated if dealt with urgently.
