The Experience of Implementing Nursing Best Practice Guidelines for the Screening of Delirium, Dementia and Depression in the Older Adult

Rola Moghabghab, RN, MN,¹ Lori Adler, RN, MHSc,² Carol Banez, RN, MAN,¹ Faith Boutcher RN, MSc,³ Athina Perivolaris, RN, MN,³ Donna-Michelle Rancoeur, RN, MSc(A),³ Donna Spevakow, RN, MSN,³ Sandra Tully, RN, MAEd,¹ Susan Wallace, RN, MSc³ and Kevin Woo, RN, MSc.<sup>4

1</sup>Advanced Practice Nurse, University Health Network; ²Administrative Director, Regional Geriatric Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; ³Advanced Practice Nurse, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; ⁴Advanced Practice Nurse, Mount Sinai Hospital; Toronto, ON.

Confusion related to dementia, delirium and/or depression is a common concern in the older adult. The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Best Practice Guideline (BPG),"Screening for Delirium, Dementia and Depression in the Older Adult", was implemented as a pilot project by Advanced Practice Nurses on eight different units at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital. This article describes the development of the BPG and its implementation, including the design of an education program and a screening process to assist nurses. Discussion focuses on the facilitators and barriers to BPG implementation and effecting sustainable change in practice.