A world-wide study on delirium assessments and presence of protocols

Nydahl P, Liu K, Bellelli G, Benbenishty J, van den Boogaard M, Caplan G, Chung CR, Elhadi M, Gurjar M, Heras-La Calle G, Hoffmann M, Jeitziner MM, Krewulak K, Mailhot T, Morandi A, Nawa RK, Oh ES, Collet MO, Paulino MC, Lindroth H, von Haken R; WDAD Study Group. AFAE DOI 10.1093/ageing/afae129

Background: Delirium is a common complication of older people in hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities.

Objective: To assess the worldwide use of validated delirium assessment tools and the presence of delirium management protocols.

Design: Secondary analysis of a worldwide one-day point prevalence study on World Delirium Awareness Day, 15 March 2023.

Setting: Cross-sectional online survey including hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term facilities.

Methods: Participating clinicians reported data on delirium, the presence of protocols, delirium assessments, delirium-awareness interventions, non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and ward/unit-specific barriers.