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Helle Svenningsen1, Laura Krone Larsen2, Marie Oxenbøll Collet3
1Forskningscenter for sundhed og velfærdsteknologi, VIA University College, Aarhus.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|March 6, 2024
Summary
Delirium screening is crucial for elderly patients in Danish hospitals, as it often goes unreported. This review examines available Danish screening tools to improve patient care and informed consent.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Delirium presents significant physical and mental health challenges for patients.
- Impaired cognition from delirium affects informed consent and treatment participation.
- Up to 50% of elderly patients in Danish hospitals experience delirium, frequently undiagnosed due to lack of systematic screening.
Approach:
- This review provides an overview of delirium screening instruments.
- Instruments are evaluated for their availability in the Danish language.
- Advantages and disadvantages of each screening tool are discussed.
Key Points:
- Systematic screening for delirium is essential, particularly in elderly populations.
- Cognitive impairment in delirium impacts patient autonomy and rights.
- Contextually relevant screening tool selection is vital for effective implementation.
Conclusions:
- Effective delirium screening requires contextually appropriate tools.
- Implementing validated screening instruments can improve detection rates.
- Improved delirium detection can lead to better patient outcomes and care participation.