Delirium is defined as a new onset of inattention that is accompanied by a change in consciousness and/or a disturbance in content-related thinking, perception or memory.
Hyperactive delirium, with highly agitated motor and emotional patients and sometimes visual and auditory hallucinations, is much easier to recognize than hypoactive delirium, which puts patients in a state of torpor, often initially unnoticed or misunderstood. The most common form of delirium is the mixed type, in which the above-mentioned forms alternate, which is due to the fluctuating nature of this syndrome.
The development of delirium can both prolong hospitalization and increase mortality (both during the stay and after 12 months), as well as the risk of cognitive deficits and a permanent need for care.
To counteract this, the UMM has launched a project in collaboration with the surgical clinic that is dedicated to the prevention, identification, drug and non-medication treatment of delirium. The first step involves the prevention of post-operative delirium during elective surgery. A short questionnaire is used to determine whether a patient is already at risk of developing delirium after surgery. This questionnaire is given to patients during their surgery planning appointment and then evaluated by the delirium nurse. If a patient is already identified as being at increased risk of delirium before the operation, the patient will also see the delirium nurse on the day of their anesthetic consultation. The delirium nurse then examines the patient's physical and cognitive limitations. After the operation, the delirium nurse can then go specifically to the patients at risk and examine them for post-operative delirium. It is important to recognize delirium in good time and initiate treatment measures. There are various ways of doing this, which can be implemented both on the normal ward and in the intensive care unit. The task of the delirium nurse is to train and advise staff and to sensitize them to the implementation of individual measures and screenings. It can be useful to make changes and adaptations in the patient's room to support the patient's perception and orientation. This includes rethinking the daily routine and, if necessary, adapting to the usual routines at home. A familiar person nearby is also
