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Article
Evidence Based Practice Guideline: Delirium
Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2018)
  • Patricia Finch Guthrie, St. Catherine University
  • Shelley Rayborn, St. Catherine University
Abstract
Delirium is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized older adults often superimposed on dementia. Older patients with delirium are more likely than other populations to develop hospital-acquired infections, pressure ulcers, and immobility and nutritional issues, as well as to have increased health care costs, longer hospital stays, and long-term care following discharge. Interventions that prevent or mitigate the effects of delirium while promoting recovery are essential for caring for hospitalized older patients. This article is a summary of an evidence-based guideline that includes a framework for addressing delirium that focuses on predisposing and precipitating factors for delirium. In addition, the guideline includes evidence-based assessment and intervention principles, along with a review of reliable and valid assessment instruments. The guideline also identifies measurable outcomes for managing delirium and a quality improvement approach for improving outcomes. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(2), 14–24.]
Keywords
  • Delirium,
  • Older Adults,
  • practice guideline
Publication Date
2018
Citation Information
Patricia Finch Guthrie and Shelley Rayborn. "Evidence Based Practice Guideline: Delirium" Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shelley-rayborn/2/