A Study of Nursing Practices in the Recognition of, Response to, and Documentation about, Delirium

Delirium affects up to 50% of hospitalized adults, increasing the risk of falls and death, yet it is often poorly recognised. This research aimed to improve early delirium recognition by nurses. The research in an Australian health service found delirium was missed in two-thirds of patients, with nurses often failing to identify it or notify doctors, and showed that interprofessional education and change management could improve delirium screening and escalation of care. Education of clinicians and the general public are recommended.