Early Intervention for Delirium

David Meagher, Walter Cullen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Delirium is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that impacts adversely upon patient outcomes and health care costs and health care outcomes. Delirium occurs in approximately one in five hospitalised patients and is especially common in the elderly and patients who are highly morbid and/or have pre-existing cognitive problems. However, efforts to improve management of delirium are hindered by gaps in our knowledge and issues that reflect a considerable gap between existing knowledge and real-world practice. This review focuses on evidence that can assist in prevention, earlier detection and improved pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of emergent cases and their aftermath. Key areas for future research and service organisation are outlined in a plan for improved delirium care across the range of health care settings and patient populations in which delirium occurs.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEarly Intervention in Psychiatry
Subtitle of host publicationEI of Nearly Everything for Better Mental Health
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages234-254
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781118557174
ISBN (Print)9780470683422
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Nov 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognition
  • Delirium
  • Dementia
  • Detection
  • Prevention
  • Treatment

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Early Intervention for Delirium'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this