Delirium in Acute Care

Although delirium is a medical emergency, it is significantly under-recognized and under-treated by healthcare staff in hospitalized patients. It is especially common in ICU settings, previously being referred to as 'ICU psychosis', and in the elderly population. It is estimated that 40% of cases are preventable and the effects of delirium can persist long after discharge. "Research has linked delirium to a greater risk of falls, an increased probability of developing dementia, and an accelerated death rate." To read more about the importance of recognizing delirium in hospitalized patients check out this great article that recently appeared in The Atlantic:

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/the-overlooked-danger-of-delirium-in-hospitals/394829/
 

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