After life-saving surgery for cardiac arrest in 2022, Richard De Haast and his family thought the worst was behind them. But relief turned to bewilderment, when Richard appeared forgetful and started behaving differently. 

Richard had initially recovered well in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was starting rehabilitation at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS). 

Wife Irene was the first to notice Richard’s new behaviors.   

“He didn’t even remember that we live in Brisbane,” said Irene. “And he was angry all the time, which was devastating. He wasn’t the Richard I knew anymore.” 

Richard was diagnosed with delirium, an acute state of confusion that can affect anyone admitted to hospital. This complex condition, often difficult to diagnose, can lead to extended hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, and long-term cognitive issues. 

Professor Alison Mudge, a leading researcher in Internal Medicine and Aged Care at RBWH, explained, “Delirium is a leading hospital complication in Australia, but it's estimated that only one-third of hospital-acquired delirium is diagnosed. It can affect patients at any age and in any inpatient setting. And we still don't understand why it happens or have any effective drugs to treat it, making it a dangerously 'hidden' condition.”  

Approximately 13% of inpatients in Australian hospitals experience delirium, which can extend hospital stays by up to three weeks. For Richard, it resulted in a complicated recovery and persistent cognitive challenges, despite all the medical care.

“During my period in ICU, I had no recognition of my surroundings or memory of people, including my family. There were times I had to be helped to walk, dress, and behave correctly,” Richard shared. 

For Irene and their family, the journey was heartbreaking. She recalled, “In the hospital, Richard was angry all the time. It was the worst for me because he was never an angry person. He was a policeman and didn't swear, he didn't get angry, he was just a calm person and there was a complete character change.”  

Richard’s recovery was a grueling eight-month process, requiring regular physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy sessions for his cardiac and brain conditions. “I do remain with a deficit of short-term memory. I was frustrated, I couldn’t drive for the first six months when I returned home. I was fortunate to have my wife, Irene, and wonderful people around,” Richard said.

In the last decade, Professor Alison Mudge and her team have made powerful strides in improving care for older people. Programs like Eat Walk Engage® have shown a 47% reduction in delirium, increased discharge home and a trend towards reduced six-month mortality and readmission. 

“Eat Walk Engage® provides better, safer care that reduces delirium and gets our older patients home to their families earlier,” said Professor Mudge. 

However, the RBWH Foundation needs more support to reach more people like Richard. Your generous donation can help advance patient-care, raise awareness about delirium and other similar conditions for families and healthcare professionals, and fund lifesaving research and medical breakthroughs. 

Consider making a kind donation to show your support today.