Table 1 Screening instrument for delirium from the Frail Elderly Project

Risk screening for all patients aged 70 and over.

Three questions for the patient and/or family or caregivers, asked by nursing staff:

1.

Do you experience memory problems?

2.

Have you needed help with self care in the last 24 hours?

3.

Have you experienced periods of confusion during earlier hospital stay or illness?

One or more questions answered with ‘yes’ indicates a risk of developing delirium.

Possible nursing interventions for at-risk patients

1.

Observation with the Delirium Observation Screening scale

2.

Prevent dehydration, infections, electrolyte disturbances et cetera

3.

Adequate treatment of pain

4.

Preserve nutritional level

5.

Inform patients’ family

6.

Improve sensory perception