Screening for Delirium, Dementia and Depression in Older Adults

Nursing Best Practice GuidelineHow to Use this DocumentThis nursing best practice guideline is a comprehensive document providingresources necessary for the support of evidence-based nursing practice. The documentneeds to be reviewed and applied based on the specific needs of the organization or practicesetting/environment, as well as the needs and wishes of the client. Guidelines should not beapplied in a “cookbook” fashion but used as a tool to assist in decision making for individualizedclient care, as well as ensuring that appropriate structures and supports are in place to providethe best possible care.Nurses, other healthcare professionals and administrators who are leading and facilitatingpractice changes will find this document valuable for the development of policies, procedures,protocols, educational programs, assessment and documentation tools. It is recommendedthat the nursing best practice guidelines be used as a resource tool. It is not necessary, norpractical that every nurse have a copy of the entire guideline. Nurses providing direct clientcare will benefit from reviewing the recommendations, the evidence in support of therecommendations and the process that was used to develop the guidelines. However, it ishighly recommended that practice settings/environments adapt these guidelines in formatsthat would be user-friendly for daily use. This guideline has some suggested formats for suchlocal adaptation and tailoring.1Organizations wishing to use this guideline may decide to do so in a number of ways: Assess current nursing and healthcare practices using the recommendationsin the guideline. Identify recommendations that will address identified needs or gaps in services. Systematically develop a plan to implement the recommendations using associatedtools and resources.RNAO is interested in hearing how you have implemented this guideline. Please contactus to share your story. Implementation resources will be made available through the RNAOwebsite at www.rnao.org/bestpractices to assist individuals and organizations to implementbest practice guidelines.