Delirium is a serious clinical condition characterised by an acute change in cognition, caused by an underlying physical precipitant. Delirium is common and independently leads to poor patient outcomes. Failure to identify and treat delirium may increase the risk of complications of clinical care, longer hospitalization, impaired cognition and function, and even increased mortality.
In a busy clinical setting, overlooking delirium can happen easily and often. Increasing awareness of delirium as a condition can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
This online course is composed of six short modules designed to improve the screening and diagnosis of delirium, awareness of risks of developing delirium, management of patients with delirium, and arranging appropriate continuous care.
This course was jointly developed by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand delirium as a condition
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of delirium
- Identify and screen patients at risk of developing delirium
- Appropriately manage the condition and the underlying causative factors
- Arrange continuous care for patients at risk of developing delirium
This course is appropriate for all physicians, psychiatrists and trainees working in any clinical setting where patients may present with or be at risk of developing delirium.
