Delirium (sometimes called 'acute confusional state') is a common clinical syndrome affecting 20% to 30% of patients on medical wards, and 10% to 50% of people having surgery.
A person may already have delirium when they present to hospital or it may develop during a hospital admission, usually within 1–2 days. Older people and people with dementia, severe illness or a hip fracture are more at risk of delirium, however it can be prevented and treated if dealt with urgently.
Delirium is characterised by disturbed consciousness, cognitive function or perception, which has an acute onset and fluctuating course and can be hypoactive or hyperactive, although some people show signs of both (mixed).Delirium is a serious condition that is associated with poor outcomes, including longer stay in hospital, greater risk of harm such as falls and pressure ulcers, increased risk of Dementia, and patients are more likely to die or be admitted to long term care.
Reporting of delirium is poor in the UK, indicating that awareness and reporting procedures need to be improved.
In order to raise awareness of Delirium and support staff, patients and their loved ones the following toolkit of resources have been developed at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust:
- E-learning module which is mandatory for all clinical staff and is available on the Trust e-mandatory training system. Available to be shared on request.- Information DVD available on the Trust YouTube site for staff, patients, families and carers via the following link:
- Patient Information Leaflet available on the Trust Internet Site for patients and carers via the following link: http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/patient_information/leaflets/D.aspx
- Surveillance and management tool for ward staff.
If you would like to know more about the resources above please contact: Mark Keegan, Acting Assistant Director of Nursing Tel: 01257 82 2176
Email: [email protected]