BY CHRISTOPHER CHENEY: For More Info, Go Here…
New research shows that in-hospital delirium patients are vulnerable during the early posthospitalization period.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In-hospital delirium affects a significant number of general admission patients and is common in intensive care units.
Addressing in-hospital delirium can reduce readmission rates and lower postacute care utilization.
Family members and friends who serve as caregivers can play a pivotal role in addressing in-hospital delirium.
In-hospital delirium is a predictor of readmission, emergency department visits, and discharge to a location other than home, recent research shows.
The development of delirium in the hospital setting impacts about 12.5% of general medical admissions and as many as 81% of intensive care unit patients. Earlier research has shown delirium among hospitalized patients is predictive of prolonged hospital length stay, lengthened mechanical ventilation, and mortality.
