A co-designed web-based Delirium Toolkit for carers: an eDelphi evaluation of usability and quality

Background: Innovative co-designed strategies are required to support the integration of carers to partner with healthcare staff in delirium management. Aim: To validate a co-designed web-based Delirium Toolkit, a resource developed to engage and support carers of hospitalised older adults at risk of delirium. Methods: Expert group consensus on the Delirium Toolkit's healthcare information and resources for carers of hospitalised older adults at risk of delirium was achieved through eDelphi technique. Eight participants, seven with experience of caring with someone aged 65 years or older diagnosed with delirium and one carer with an interest in understanding delirium were recruited. A total of 23 items were rated using a five-point Likert scale over two rounds to achieve 75% consensus on the layout of the web-based Delirium Toolkit and the usability and quality of content. Findings: Data were collected and consensus reached after two rounds in May and June of 2022. Out of 23 items, consensus was reached on 19 items in Round one (rejecting main navigation, headings, delirium screening tool instructions, and ease of understanding of carer support resources). Consensus was achieved in all items in Round two after suggested improvements to the Delirium Toolkit were actioned. Discussion: The web-based Delirium Toolkit has been developed with carers to support their integration as partners in the care of hospitalised older adults at risk of delirium. Conclusion: The study findings support the readiness for testing the Delirium Toolkit in clinical environments.