Delirium in adults

Quality statements

Statement 1 Adults newly admitted to hospital or long-term care who are at risk of delirium are assessed for recent changes that affect cognition, perception, physical function or social behaviour.

Statement 2 Adults newly admitted to hospital or long-term care who are at risk of delirium receive a range of tailored interventions to prevent delirium.

Statement 3 Adults with delirium in hospital or long-term care who are distressed or are a risk to themselves or others are not prescribed antipsychotic medication unless de-escalation techniques are ineffective or inappropriate.

Statement 4 Adults with delirium in hospital or long-term care, and their family members and carers, are given information that explains the condition and describes other people's experiences of delirium.

Statement 5 Adults with current or resolved delirium who are discharged from hospital have their diagnosis of delirium communicated to their GP.