Assessment and Management of Delirium in Older Adults in the Emergency Department: Literature Review to Inform Development of a Novel Clinical Protocol.

TitleAssessment and Management of Delirium in Older Adults in the Emergency Department: Literature Review to Inform Development of a Novel Clinical Protocol.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsRosen T, Connors S, Clark S, Halpern A, Stern ME, DeWald J, Lachs MS, Flomenbaum N
JournalAdv Emerg Nurs J
Volume37
Issue3
Pagination183-96; quiz E3
Date Published2015 Jul-Sep
ISSN1931-4493
KeywordsAged, Clinical Protocols, Delirium, Education, Continuing, Emergency Service, Hospital, Humans
Abstract

Delirium occurs frequently in older patients in the emergency department (ED), is underrecognized, and has potentially serious consequences. Despite its seriousness, delirium is frequently missed by emergency providers, and patients with unrecognized delirium are often discharged from the ED. Even when it is appropriately recognized, managing delirium in older adults poses a significant challenge for ED providers. Geriatric delirium is typically caused by the interaction of multiple factors, including several that are commonly missed: pain, urinary retention, constipation, dehydration, and polypharmacy. Appropriate management includes nonpharmacological management with medication intervention reserved for emergencies. We have developed a new, comprehensive, evidence-based protocol for diagnosis/recognition, management, and disposition of geriatric delirium patients in the ED with a focus on identifying and treating commonly missed contributing causes.

DOI10.1097/TME.0000000000000066
Alternate JournalAdv Emerg Nurs J
PubMed ID26218485
PubMed Central IDPMC4633298
Grant ListK24 AG022399 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR000457 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States