Thanks to Dr David Swetman for his presentation on the delirious patient.

Take home points:

1. delirium is under-recognized in ED
2. careful attention to supportive care, prior to sedation, is in the patient’s best interests ie. pain relief, hydration, bowel care, regular medications (especially diabetic medications, Parkinsonian medications) and analgesia
3. be familiar with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and other delirium identification tools which are available via the Western Health intranet