Keywords

acute care, assessment, critical care, delirium, nursing, screening

Authors

1. Mulkey, Malissa A.
2. Roberson, Donna W.
3. Everhart, D. Erik
4. Hardin, Sonya R.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Delirium is an increasing concern with current combined annual costs for the United States and Europe of approximately $350 billion. Although standardized definitions and diagnostic criteria exist, more than 80% of delirium in the acute care setting is overlooked or misdiagnosed. Delays in identification result in increases in severity and mortality and a reduction in quality of life. Selecting an assessment tool is the first step toward improving recognition.