Welcome to the Delirium module. This case study focuses on the recognition of delirium in an older Aboriginal person in the acute hospital setting, including the causes, treatment and evaluation to discharge of that person.
As the Australian population ages, there will be increasing demand for utilisation of health care resources by frail older people. Indigenous Australians have a high burden of illness and a life expectancy at birth that is 15-20 years less than non-indigenous Australians.
Delirium is an acute and fluctuating confusional state, involving altered levels of consciousness with reduced ability to focus, maintain and shift attention. It is a serious and common clinical syndrome that increases with age and is often caused by a complex interaction of multiple factors.
