About the PREDICT program

The Prevention & Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit (PREDICT program) is a nurse‑led, multimedia resource that supports carers and families to recognise subtle changes in a patient’s behaviour and work with clinical teams to respond early.

Delirium is a sudden and serious state of confusion that can develop quickly during a hospital stay and is often mistaken for dementia.

The toolkit, co-designed with carers and clinicians, is available in web, smartphone and paper-based formats. It provides practical guidance on preventing delirium, recognising early warning signs and communicating concerns to nursing staff.

What CHS is saying

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Kellie Lang, said partnering with carers is key to improving outcomes.

“Delirium can be one of the most distressing experiences for patients and families. Working closely with carers through the PREDICT model will help us identify changes earlier and intervene quickly.”

Kellie Lang - Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, CHS

“We are proud to partner with Southern Cross University and the University of Canberra to introduce this model of care into our trial wards. This reflects our commitment to safe, person‑centred care and to supporting families as essential partners in recovery.”

Patients admitted to selected surgical and medical trial wards at Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital and University of Canberra Hospital will be invited to participate in the study.

The research behind the trial

The three-year project, led by Professor Christina Aggar from Southern Cross University and supported by a $1.34 million National Health and Medical Research Council grant, will involve more than 2,500 patients across NSW, ACT and Queensland. Researchers aim to reduce delirium rates and the associated health and economic impacts.

Professor Kasia Bail from the University of Canberra said delirium is both common and under-recognised, especially in older adults.

“Anybody can develop delirium, but older people are most at risk. Early recognition can significantly improve outcomes.”

Professor Kasia Bail - University of Canberra

“PREDICT strengthens partnerships between carers and nurses and helps ensure changes in cognition are noticed and addressed quickly.”

The launch of PREDICT coincided with World Delirium Awareness Day on 11 March 2026.

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