Risk Stratification

In hospitalised patients, there are a number of risk factors for:

Developing delirium

Risk Factors for Developing delirium [2]:

• Age >65
• Cognitive impairment past/present
• Dementia
• Current hip fracture
• Severe illness, likely to deteriorate

Precipitating delirium

Precipitating Factors for delirium [2]:

• Disorientation
• Dehydration
• Constipation
• Hypoxia
• Infection
• Immobility/reduced mobility
• Pain
• Polypharmacy
• Poor nutrition
• Sensory impairment (e.g. hearing or visual impairment)
• Poor sleep

High-risk patients should be identified in the ED and appropriate prevention strategies implemented.