Improving Use of the ‘Get to Know Me’ Booklet Through Teaching to Support Delirium Prevention and Management of BPSD

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Dr Amber Biffin1, Dr Rashed Shaikh1, Dr Gopalakrishnan Deivasikamani2, Dr Sameira Sohail2

Complex Care, Royal Bolton Hospital

Abstract

Background
Understanding a patient’s usual cognition and communication needs is central to preventing delirium. The ‘Get to Know Me’ booklet is intended to capture this information early in admission and support personalised care. Locally, use of the booklet was inconsistent, and foundation doctors reported they were often unaware it existed, unsure where it was kept, and unclear whose role it was to supply it. This project aimed to improve awareness, confidence and use through a focused teaching intervention.

Methods
Foundation doctors completed a baseline questionnaire assessing awareness, confidence and perceived responsibility.
We delivered a short teaching session covering delirium prevention, the purpose of the booklet, when it should be introduced, and where to access it. An example booklet was worked through and shared ownership across the multidisciplinary team was emphasised.
A repeat questionnaire assessed changes following teaching.

Results
One week following the teaching intervention, twenty-five doctors completed the post-intervention survey. After teaching, 72% (18/25) felt confident or somewhat confident locating and providing the booklet, although 28% (7/25) remained unconfident.

Doctors reported clearer understanding of access and shared responsibility, replacing previous barriers of not knowing the booklet existed, where to find it, or who should initiate it.

Behaviour change was seen early: 52% (13/25) had already provided or recommended a booklet in clinical practice. Admission was consistently identified as the appropriate time to introduce it. The booklet was considered helpful for patients and carers by 88% (22/25) of respondents.

Conclusion
A brief, practical teaching session improved awareness and led to early uptake of a person-centred delirium intervention. Ensuring patients are known as individuals is invaluable for management of behavioural and psychotic symptoms of dementia.

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