Finding and managing delirium after surgery in older patients

High compliance with assessment tools led to increased identification of postoperative delirium in elderly surgical patients.

• Postoperative delirium is a common adverse outcome in elderly patients, linked to higher morbidity and extended hospital stays.
• A multicomponent strategy was implemented to identify and manage patients 65 years and older at risk for postoperative delirium.
• The Mini-Cog assessment tool was used preoperatively, while the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM-ICU tools were used postoperatively.
• Patients who tested positive preoperatively were managed according to a specific delirium protocol.
• Data analysis indicated a correlation between high compliance with assessment tool implementation and improved identification rates of postoperative delirium.

Simplified