Delirium

TL;DRAbstract

Delirium is frequent among medical and surgical patients and is one of the most common psychiatric complications, affecting 10-30% of patients in the general hospital (GH). One of the main clinical features of delirium include disturbance of consciousness affecting orientation and ability to focus and maintaining attention. Some of the possible causes of delirium are in themselves medical emergencies (e.g. electrolyte alterations, hypo-/hyperglycaemia), or could rapidly develop into emergencies. The consultation-liaison (C-L) is responsible for educating hospital staff, helping to develop guidelines and protocols, and working with the other clinicians in the management of the delirious patient. Therefore liaison, education of medical and nursing staff, and good working relationships and alliances with physicians, is particularly important in the management and prevention of delirium. Formal liaison activities should take place on the initiative of the C-L psychiatry team.

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