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Early detection of delirium is improving patient outcomes at Albury Wodonga Health, reinforcing the importance of proactive care in hospital settings.  

Delirium is a relatively sudden change in a person’s mental state that affects attention, cognition, and behaviour.  People experiencing delirium may be confused, disorientated, can hallucinate, have disturbed sleep and display behavioural changes. 

Albury Wodonga Health Geriatrician Dr Nick Sharrock said delirium was typically temporary but could lead to lasting cognitive impairment. 

‘Delirium is often associated with some form of infection, organ failure – such as kidney or liver complications - or can be a response to medication,’ Dr Sharrock said. 

‘Delirium is not fully understood but will often improve with treatment of the underlying cause, and supportive care.’ 

People who have experienced delirium are at increased risk of: 

• Longer hospital stays,  
• Needing institutional care (such as a nursing home), 
• Falls, and associated injuries, and 
• Increased mortality within 12 months (compared to those without delirium). 

Dr. Sharrock emphasised that preventing and managing delirium is a shared responsibility across the healthcare system. 

‘Delirium is common among older patients,’ Dr Sharrock said. ‘That makes it everybody’s business to identify it and try to manage it as best as possible.’ 

‘We can use a range of interventions to reduce the risk, including paying attention to nutrition, hydration, and mobility, correcting sensory deprivation (using hearing aids and glasses), and optimising sleep. 

‘By focusing on these areas, we can significantly reduce the incidence of delirium. 

‘If we can prevent delirium, we can prevent the negative outcomes associated with it and enable people to be as independent as possible for as long as possible,’ Dr Sharrock said. 

Advancing patient safety through early detection: 

Bettina Naughton is a Patient Safety Clinical Nurse Consultant advocating for the early detection of delirium to help reduce its effects and improve outcomes for patients. 

‘Delirium and its causes are not fully understood,’ Mrs Naughton said. 

‘It often occurs at sunset and may be triggered by particular stimuli. 

‘It is often related to infection but can also occur after surgery or because of particular medications. 

‘Delirium is also associated with the progression of certain illnesses. 

‘It is thought to be a transient illness, but research suggests it may have a more lasting impact. 

‘Importantly, when we know that delirium is a factor, we can work with the patient to reduce their risk of falling,’ she said. 

People experiencing delirium may not remember that they have reduced mobility or have been instructed to stay in bed. They may not remember to call for help or have the coordination to do so. 

‘A person experiencing delirium may be quite impulsive,’ Mrs Naughton said. 

‘They may become combative or aggressive and may not even realise that they’re unwell. 

‘Awareness is key. Ongoing research is critical. And the work of our clinicians in early detection is vital,’ she said. 

World Delirium Awareness Day at AWH:

To mark World Delirium Awareness Day, Albury Wodonga Health hosted a dedicated forum with expert speakers including Geriatrician Dr Nick Sharrock, Patient Safety Clinical Nurse Consultant Bettina Naughton, Nurse Practitioner Anne Duncan, and Occupational Therapy Manager Patrick Hower.  

The forum also featured Joanne Wade who shared her lived experience, reinforcing the importance of a patient centred approach to delirium care. 

AWH remains committed to advancing delirium awareness, supporting best-practice interventions, and prioritising early detection to enhance patient wellbeing across our health service.