Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

DELirium, Incidence, preVEntion and pRogression During Acute Intensive Neurological -Neurosurgical Rehabilitation

This research project is called DELIVER. It's a study over three years looking at confusion, also known as 'delirium,' in patients who are in an intensive rehabilitation unit after brain or nervous system conditions. The main aim is to understand how often delirium occurs and when it might start – either when someone first comes into rehabilitation or during their stay. We will check patients daily for signs of delirium, from the day they arrive until they leave. Patients will be grouped based on whether they experience delirium or not, and we'll compare their treatments and how well they recover. This will help us learn more about delirium in this group of patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Heart Centre Rotenburg

Enrolment target

210

Start

15 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

15 Feb 2029

Neurological Conditions

What is this study about?

This study is called DELIVER, which stands for DELirium, Incidence, preVEntion and pRogression During Acute Intensive Neurological -Neurosurgical Rehabilitation. In simple terms, it's about understanding a condition called 'delirium' in people who are recovering in an intensive rehabilitation unit after experiencing a problem with their brain or nervous system.

Delirium is a state of severe confusion that can come on suddenly. People with delirium might have trouble paying attention, thinking clearly, or knowing where they are. It's a common issue in hospital settings, but we need to learn more about how often it happens, and when it starts, in people getting intensive rehabilitation for neurological problems.

Over three years, researchers will be carefully observing and checking every patient admitted to a specific rehabilitation unit. They will check for delirium every day from the moment a patient arrives until they go home. By doing this, they hope to get a clearer picture of how delirium affects recovery and what treatments might be most helpful for different groups of patients.

Key takeaways

This study looks at confusion (delirium) in people recovering from brain/nerve problems.
It aims to understand how often delirium happens during rehabilitation.
Researchers will check for delirium daily during your stay.
The study covers all patients in a specific rehabilitation unit for three years.
It's an observational study, meaning no new treatments or extra tests are involved.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be a patient admitted to the acute (meaning severe or sudden onset) neurological or neurosurgical rehabilitation unit. This means you are recovering from a condition affecting your brain or nervous system and are receiving intensive rehabilitation.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are in a coma (a deep state of unconsciousness) or a vegetative state (where you are awake but show no signs of awareness), you would not be able to take part. This is because the study involves daily assessments that require a certain level of consciousness.

Generally, anyone aged 18 or older who is admitted to this specific rehabilitation unit and isn't in a coma or vegetative state could be included in the study. Both men and women are welcome to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you admitted to an acute rehabilitation unit for a brain or nerve condition?
Are you not in a coma or a deeply unconscious state?
Can you understand and respond to simple questions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you won't be asked to do anything extra. This is an observational study, which means the researchers will be gathering information from your standard care while you are in the rehabilitation unit. This means you won't have any additional appointments, medication, or follow-up visits specifically for the study.

The main thing involved for you is that nurses and doctors will perform regular checks for delirium every day from the time you are admitted until you are ready to go home. These checks are typically part of good patient care anyway, but in this study, the information from these checks will be carefully recorded and used for research purposes. The study will last for the entire duration of your stay in the acute rehabilitation unit.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits from taking part in this study, as it doesn't involve any new treatments. However, the information gathered will help doctors and researchers better understand delirium in people recovering from neurological conditions. This could lead to better care for future patients. There are no known risks involved with participating, as the study only involves observing your existing care and performing standard assessments. You always have the right to withdraw your information from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Herz-Kreislauf-Zentrum Klinikum Hersfeld Rotenburg GmbH, Klinik für Neurologie und Neurologische Rehabilitation
Verified postcode
Rotenburg an der Fulda, Germany

Common questions

What is 'delirium'?

Delirium is a sudden state of severe confusion, where you might have trouble thinking clearly, paying attention, or knowing where you are.

Do I have to do anything extra if I join?

No, you don't need to do anything extra. The researchers will simply observe your care and daily checks that are already happening.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, this study will not change your treatment. You will continue to receive the best care recommended by your doctors.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by researchers in a rehabilitation unit that specialises in brain and nerve conditions.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw your information from the study at any time, and it will not affect your care.

How to find out more

Caroline Renner, Priv.-Doz. Dr. med

c.renner@hkz-rotenburg.de +49-6623-88-0 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.