Table 1 Factors addressed in the CogChamps implementation plan

Evidence

➢ There is sound evidence that non-pharmacological strategies can effectively prevent delirium in many at-risk patients [6] and reduce Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia [37];

➢ Nurses’ reported preference for accessing evidence-based knowledge by engaging with local clinical experts rather than with online guidelines and text, was acknowledged [38, 39], and responded to by equipping and supporting ward based Registered Nurses (RNs) to undertake the role of Cognition Champion and provide a readily accessible knowledge source;

Context

➢ Executive level support was obtained – key hospital staff including the Nurse Unit Managers of the wards, and medical consultants of the wards involved were members of the project’s Steering Committee and supported the project;

➢ The policy context – implementation of the project coincided with the launch of ACSQHC’s Caring for Cognitive Impairment Campaign [7], to which the hospital made a public commitment (the commitment is publicly acknowledged on the Campaign website);

➢ The hospital context – the project was implemented in an environment in which a sound foundation for caring for patients with CI had been established through the prior implementation of several initiatives led by the hospital’s dementia and delirium specialist [FG: Clinical Nurse Consultant – Dementia and delirium]. For details, see [12].

➢ The ward context – Cognition Champions (CogChamps) were assisted to develop ward specific Action Plans to promote their engagement in the project and ensure interventions were tailored to address each ward’s specific requirements;

➢ Adequate resources were available for the project – external funding allowed project staff to allocate sufficient time to assist hospital staff to implement and evaluate activities;

Facilitation

➢ Facilitation played a central role in promoting practice change through mentorship, direct support and the provision of feedback to CogChamps regarding their progress;