The presence of delirium may be associated with:
(1) increased complications (urinary tract infections, falls, decubitus ulcer, etc)
(2) increased mortality
(3) increased hospital length of stay
Risk factors for delirium may include:
(1) medications
(2) malnutrition
(3) withdrawal reaction
(4) surgery
(5) older age
(6) history of delirium
(7) dementia
(8) comorbidities
In the study of Han et al about half of the cases of delirium cleared within 24 hours.
It is important to screen for delirium:
(1) on admission, in order to exclude pre-existing issues.
(2) during the hospital stay, in order to allow for an early intervention
(3) at hospital discharge
