Wednesday March 16th is World Delirium Awareness Day; the fifth to be held to raise awareness of delirium and the importance of making an accurate diagnosis. It is an ideal opportunity to remind colleagues of the need for education and assessment to be able to recognise it early.

Delirium is a disturbance of mental abilities resulting in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. The condition can be caused by chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance, medication, infection, surgery, alcohol or drug withdrawal, but is preventable and treatable. The symptoms of delirium and dementia can be similar, so it’s important to have all information in hand before making an accurate diagnosis. That’s why healthcare workers must get education and training to provide the right support for people to recover.

If you want to get involved team up with your unit Delirium link nurse and assist with the quarterly audit .

Please print off and display the poster below on your units