TY  - JOUR
AU  - Akinjogbin, Temitope
AU  - Parnell, Jacob
AU  - Duggan, Maria C.
PY  - 2020
DA  - 2020/07/13
TI  - A Delirium Monitoring Program for Hospitalized Older Adults: An Approach to Age-Friendly Health Systems
JO  - OBM Geriatrics
SP  - 128
VL  - 04
IS  - 03
AB  - Delirium is an acute change in mental status with key features of inattention and disorganized thinking. It is particularly common in older adults, with multiple and varied causes. Delirium increases the risk of morbidity, mortality, institutionalization, and healthcare costs; however, it is often missed because it is difficult to recognize without the use of a validated screening tool. The Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative highlights the need for implementation of a delirium monitoring program in hospitals through early identification, using delirium screening tools and the non-pharmacological approach to prevent and treat delirium. Implementing a delirium monitoring program requires leadership engagement, multidisciplinary team involvement, staff education and training, proper documentation and communication, electronic medical records integration, and addressing identified barriers to success. This review will discuss 1) the impact of delirium in hospitalized older adults, 2) the guidelines of AFHS in establishing delirium monitoring programs, and 3) a practical approach to implementing a delirium program with a focus on screening and treatment.
SN  - 2638-1311
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003128
DO  - 10.21926/obm.geriatr.2003128
ID  - Akinjogbin2020
ER  -