Briefing - what is delirium? | Right Decisions

Right Decisions
Risk Reduction and Management of Delirium (SIGN)
Back
More information
Briefing - what is delirium?

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Delirium is an acute deterioration in mental functioning. People with delirium may present as acutely confused, but they may also be excessively sleepy and unresponsive, or agitated. Up to one half of people with delirium have delusions (eg. believing they are imprisoned) or hallucinations (seeing things that are not real).³ Many patients with delirium also experience anxiety and fear.

Delirium is triggered by acute illnesses including infections and heart failure, adverse effects of drugs (or drug withdrawal), trauma, or surgery.¹ People who are older, particularly those with dementia or frailty, are much more likely to develop delirium.^1,6 The risk of delirium can be reduced through avoiding dehydration or other physiological disturbance, avoiding constipation, careful use of drugs, reorientation, correction of sensory impairments where possible, and involvement of family members especially where there is chronic cognitive impairment.

Delirium treatment involves addressing several areas, as summarised in the treatment section. The Delirium 8 framework can be used as a guide to each area of treatment to consider.

Delirium 8 framework