delirium
Delirium is a medical emergency: an acute state of confusion that commonly affects older people, especially those admitted to hospital. It is hugely distressing for patients, families and carers and increases the risk of mortality. Other potentially serious consequences include longer hospital stays, falls, loss of independence and cognitive decline.
This collection of articles aims to help nurses and care staff to prevent delirium. If prevention is not possible, however, staff should be able to recognise delirium and assess and manage patients in a timely manner.
Please contact Lisa Berry, editor of Nursing Older People, at lisa.berry@rcni.com with your comments, suggestions or feedback and help raise awareness of our content by sharing this resource on social media using the weblink rcni.com/delirium
Treat delirium as a medical emergency
Delirium is a medical emergency and risk reduction should be considered throughout care
World Delirium Day: nurses will raise awareness of signs, symptoms and treatment
Features of the condition include disorientation, hallucinations and lack of responsiveness
Improving the identification of patients with delirium using the 4AT assessment
Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that all those working with older people will...
Recognising and managing delirium in patients receiving palliative and end of life care
Why you should read this article: » To improve your awareness of the causes of delirium in...
When someone with dementia has delirium, they may well be in pain too
Assessing for delirium helps nurses spot and control patients’ unspoken pain
Lifting the barriers to mental healthcare for older people
New resources are tackling the stigma and social issues that restrict access to care
Could it be delirium?
A campaign to increase awareness of delirium urges swift action to prevent harm
No longer a backwater, care homes offer a career
Care homes can be vibrant places to work, with a clear career structure
Care of older patients with delirium in hospital
This article aims to assist nurses and nursing students to consider the presentation of...
Dementia and delirium: making late-night patient transfers a thing of the past
A nurse-led project to avoid moving patients at night has helped reduce the risk of anxiety...
Sedative may prevent delirium in critical patients in intensive care
A low dose of the sedative dexmedetomidine given at night may prevent delirium in critically...
How do I improve delirium care for older surgical patients?
A serious condition with poor outcomes, delirium is best prevented by early identification...