Better tools needed to detect delirium in ERs

Delirium is an acute confusional state that often results in increased mortality and long hospital stays for the elderly. While it can often be reversed by treatment of the underlying cause, it must first be identified.

Dr. Michel Élie and colleagues performed a cross-sectional study and chart review to determine the prevalence and detection rates of delirium among elderly patients seen in the emergency department. The authors found that while 10% of the patients were found to have delirium, only 35% of those were diagnosed in the emergency department.

The authors conclude that despite the relatively high prevalence of delirium among elderly emergency department patients, the current methods of detection are insufficient.

Prevalence and detection of delirium in elderly emergency department patients — M. Élie et al