Barriers to Delirium Screening in Long-Term Settings

Delirium is an acute neurocognitive disorder characterized by disturbances in attention, consciousness, and cognition, typically presenting with rapid onset and a fluctuating course. Several predisposing factors, including advanced age, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, dementia, and reduced mobility increase the older adults’ risk for delirium. A recent study reported 12% point prevalence of delirium in nursing homes. In Long Term Care (LTC) settings, delirium may be the initial presentation of an acute illness, making timely identification and management crucial to preventing long-term consequences.