Summary

Key Concepts

• Delirium is common, deadly, but can be prevented
• At-risk individuals
  • Are older
  • Have baseline
    • Cognitive impairment
    • Functional impairment
    • Or both
• EDs can implement simple processes to prevent delirium in at-risk individuals
  • Avoid delirium precipitants:
    • high-risk meds
    • tethers
  • Treat pain
    • start low and go slow
  • Normalize function
    • eating, drinking, voiding, mobilization
  • Minimize Emergency Department length of stay (LOS)
  • Explore alternatives to hospitalization
  • Engage family