Icon for Key Principle 2

PRINCIPLE 2: Delirium risk identification and prevention strategies

Older people will be assessed for delirium risk. Interventions will be put in place for prevention of identified risks. Identified risks will be communicated to the older person, their carer, family and staff involved in their care.

Resources and useful links

Delirium risk identification and management

Delirium Screen for Older Adults
This NSW State wide form incorporates the Abbreviated Mental Test scores (AMTS), Delirium Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) and the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). It can be ordered through Stream Solutions.

Preventive strategies for delirium
A flowchart of preventive strategies (which can be printed as PDF or posters), adapted from the Clinical practice guidelines for the management of delirium in older people (2006).

Delirium “alerts” and prevention strategies for hospital staff

See examples below adapted by hospitals:

Lanyard cards

Lanyard cards can be created and attached to staff ID to assist with increasing the awareness of delirium and dementia. Examples:

List of publications

These published articles report studies of interventions to identify and/or manage delirium in hospitals: