Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG103/05

Question

Delirium in long-term care: How common is delirium and what are its adverse outcomes in people in long-term care?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important?

Although there is evidence for adverse outcomes consequent to delirium in hospital, there is very little evidence from long-term care. It is important to determine whether people in long-term care, who already have a high risk of death, dementia and other adverse outcomes, have a further increased risk of these outcomes if they develop delirium. The risk of hospital admission as a consequence of delirium is also unknown. A large cohort study should be conducted in people in long-term care to determine:

• the prevalence of delirium in this setting, and
• if the presence of delirium is a prognostic factor for death, dementia, admission to hospital, falls and other adverse outcomes.

The multivariate analysis conducted in this study should take into consideration the potential significant risk factors and confounding factors identified in the guideline. Such a study would also inform cost-effectiveness analyses for the prevention and treatment of delirium.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Delirium: prevention, diagnosis and management in hospital and long-term care

Number

CG103

Date issued

July 2010

Other details