Prevention of Delirium in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients - Literature Review (part of Symposium: the Wholesome Contact Project...)

Abstract

Delirium is frequent complication of hospitalization in elders. Symptoms include cognitive and mood disturbances. Risk factors are: coexisting medical conditions, dementia, sensory impairment and many factors connected with treatment and hospital environment. Anty-psychotic drugs are treatment of choice but it might be iatrogenic: past delirium episode increases the mortality, morbidity and necessity of institutional care. Therefore, prevention of delirium plays a significant role. Literature review on methods used for delirium prevention will be presented. Delirium prevention divides into pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Pharmacological methods base on administering preventive anti-psychotic drugs' dose every hospitalized patient. Non–pharmacological methods include medical staff education, supportive care, information- and care-giving. Special attention will be given to second group of methods due to their additional benefits for patients. Because they avoid the implementation of additional drugs they protect patients form side effects and hospital from additional costs, what is a reason for further development of non-pharmacological delirium prevention.