Delirium assessment, management and barriers to effective care across Scotland: A secondary analysis of survey data from World Delirium Awareness Day 2023

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a common, severe neuropsychiatric syndrome in hospitalised older adults. We evaluated use of validated delirium assessment tools, adherence to national guidelines and prevalence and management of delirium across Scotland, identifying barriers to effective care.

METHODS: Secondary analysis of national survey data, collected by participating clinicians on World Delirium Awareness Day (15 March 2023).

RESULTS: Among 120 responses (3,257 patients), the 4AT was the most frequently used assessment tool (75%), while 14% of units reported using clinical judgement alone. The delirium assessment rate was 74%, with a prevalence of 22% at 8 am. Management protocols varied, with frequent routine non-pharmacological interventions including pain management (88%), hydration (87%) and open family visiting (80%). Barriers to delirium care included insufficient staffing and training.

CONCLUSION: While many hospital settings follow national delirium guidelines, some still rely on clinical judgement for assessment, with variability in management protocols and practices. We have highlighted key barriers to effective delirium care in Scotland.