USING AI TO ADDRESS EXTENDED HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: DATA-DRIVEN RISK PREDICTION INCLUDING IN DELIRIUM PREVENTION

This mixed methods research explored how data can help hospitals predict which patients might stay longer than expected, focusing on older adults at risk of delirium. Delirium affects about 1 in 3 hospitalised adults over 65 and can lead to serious complications. The study used hospital data and machine learning to create accurate tools to identify high-risk patients early. It also looked at how to best introduce these tools into real clinical settings. Involving hospital staff and family caregivers, the research found strong support for using early warning systems to improve care and reduce the impact of delirium.