NURS02 - Strategies for the Early Detection of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia (DSD): A Scoping Review

Overview

This project is a scoping review focused on the early and prompt detection of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia (DSD). DSD is a high-risk clinical condition associated with accelerated cognitive decline, increased mortality, and poorer patient outcomes.  Despite its prevalence across acute and long‑term care settings, DSD remains substantially under‑recognised, particularly in individuals with moderate to severe dementia, where conventional cognitive screening tools are often ineffective. Emerging literature suggests that early detection of DSD should be conceptualised as a system‑level and implementation challenge, requiring longitudinal observation and integration into routine clinical workflows rather than reliance on one‑off cognitive testing.

This interdisciplinary project aims to map current evidence on detection strategies across various clinical settings (such as acute hospital wards, emergency departments, and long-term care) and clinician roles. It specifically investigates the validity and feasibility of nursing-led observational tools within the multidisciplinary setting, how detection strategies vary by dementia subtype, and will identify barriers and facilitators to implementation in practice.

Research engagement

The student will be deeply involved in the systematic research process, specifically engaging with a literature review and data charting. They will work within a research team to conduct a scoping review following the JBI Scoping Review Framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review protocol has been developed and will be prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF).

Research activities

The student will work alongside the supervisory team and a small team of multidisciplinary collaborators to:

1. Pilot eligibility criteria on an initial set of 10–20 titles/abstracts to ensure consistency.
2. Participate in dual screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts using Covidence software, under supervision of the research team.
3. Conduct data extraction using a standardized charting form, focusing on dementia profiles, detection strategies, and implementation feasibility.
4. Contribute to the preparation of tables and figures (e.g PRISMA-ScR flow diagram and subtype-specific mapping tables).
5. Support narrative synthesis of findings

Research skills

The student will gain highly transferable research skills, including:

• Proficiency in using Covidence for systematic data management.
• Expertise in the JBI Scoping Review Framework and PRISMA-ScR reporting standards.
• Experience in systematic searching across major medical databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase.
• Skills in evidence synthesis and thematic mapping of clinical evidence base.

Outcomes

• The primary outcome is the completion of a scoping review manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• The student will develop skills in evidence synthesis, critical appraisal, and academic writing.
• The student will be exposed to research pathways in health care.
• Additionally, the student’s work will contribute to an evidence summary for an expert panel and the development of a draft clinical guideline framework and practical resources to improve the diagnosis and management of DSD in clinical practice.

Skills and experience

No prior research experience is required. The ideal candidate is a student with an interest in clinical care, delirium and dementia, evidence‑based practice or clinical implementation science. Strong attention to detail is required for the screening and data extraction phases.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

QUT Kelvin Grove Campus, N block, level 5 (with capacity for hybrid/remote work as appropriate)

Additional information

The student will be provided with access to all required databases, screening software, and specialized training in scoping review methodologies. No direct patient contact is involved.

The student will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians and be supported through regular meetings, structured task plans, and ongoing feedback. Supervisors will be available to guide the student through each stage of the scoping review process, including literature screening, data charting, and interpretation of findings.

Keywords

• Scoping review
• Clinical workflows
• Delirium superimposed on dementia
• Early detection

Contact

Barbara Zangerl

3138 3904

barbara.zangerl@qut.edu.au