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Current Research into Delirium
Three key areas in progressing delirium practice and knowledge
This article discusses 3 areas that require further research evidence. One of these is the recognition and relief of distress, the main focus of this website.
A Qualitative Study of Emergency Department Delirium Prevention Initiatives
Here the authors discuss the multifactorial approach required in the Emergency Department for the recognition, prevention and treatment of delirium
Persistent delirium: a clearer understanding
“How long does delirium last?” is a common question from families of people experiencing delirium. In the past the answer would reflect an understanding that delirium was essentially a temporary acute condition that would resolve once the underlying cause had resolved. The caveat being that for older people delirium recovery may lag that of the acute condition responsible for the delirium.
However, it is now considered that older people may experience persistent delirium. Persistent delirium is a diagnosis of delirium that continues to exist at or beyond discharge from hospital.
This new understanding is important as it has a bearing on discharge planning, clearly for the person and their family, but also for those involved in proving their ongoing care needs either in their own home or a care home. Here are thee articles providing insight into the significant problem of persistent delirium
The effect of baseline cognition and delirium on long-term cognitive impairment and mortality: a prospective population-based study
Summary of Findings
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Higher baseline cognitive function is associated with a good prognosis regarding the likelihood of developing delirium and the severity of the delirium. However,
those with a higher baseline cognition who develop delirium have the highest degree of cognitive decline.
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Older people with a high cognitive function at baseline who develop delirium are likely to lose the most after delirium.
Patients’ experiences of delirium: A systematic review and meta-summary of qualitative research.
Summary of findings
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This article is a systematic reviewing peoples experiences of delirium published between 1980 and 2019, aiming to understand the context of those experiences in order to support delirium management.
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The authors state their findings reflect the need for patients to have ".....understanding, trusting, respectful...reassuring and positive encounters with staff..." and others", suggesting these encounters provide a "scaffolding for positive interactions". Perhaps hearing their health care professional say, "you are safe with me" is a simple way of start these positive encounters.