RBWH strengthens commitment to patients with cognitive impairment

Consultant Physician Professor Alison Mudge is embedding cognitive-informed care at RBWH

Cognitive impairment affects up to one in three inpatients at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH). RBWH has launched a new Cognitive Impairment Action Plan designed to embed cognitive-informed care across the hospital.

Consultant Physician Professor Alison Mudge said the action plan articulates clear objectives to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients, their families and staff.

“These patients often end up spending longer in hospital, have higher risks of complications and greater care needs,” Professor Mudge said.

“The action plan is focused on strengthening workforce capability and capacity to care for those with cognitive impairment and enhancing partnerships with carers and their families to support better care within and beyond the hospital.”

Professor Mudge and her team originated the internationally recognised Eat Walk Engage Program at RBWH in 2015, which has now expanded to 18 hospitals across 53 wards in Queensland.

“Eat Walk Engage addresses some of the elements of healthcare settings that cause delirium, especially in those who have dementia, frailty or serious illness,” she said.

“The program is all about keeping patients moving, nourished and connected to the people and activities that matter most to them, which are identified as key factors in preventing delirium while in hospital.”

More than 100,000 patients have benefited from Eat Walk Engage so far. The team are looking forward to making it available to more patients at risk of delirium in the coming years as part of the new action plan.