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A survey of non-consultant hospital doctors’ perspectives, knowledge, and practices toward delirium in a large Irish hospital

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Delirium is a common condition in hospitals, particularly among older people. This refers to a dramatic decline in mental capabilities, which is marked by diminished concentration and consciousness.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the views, knowledge, and behavior of non-consultant hospital doctors in managing delirium in a large Irish hospital.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to 28 healthcare professionals from various departments according to Davis and MacLullich (Age Ageing 38(5):559–563, 2009). It was conducted between July and September 2023, with an emphasis on determining the prevalence rate, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies for delirium.

Results

The study established that the majority of respondents recognized the importance of delirium, but there appears to be a gap in the practical management of this clinical syndrome. Although many doctors agreed that delirium was significant, most lacked confidence in its diagnosis and management. The use of standardized assessment tools, such as the 4AT, was limited.

Conclusions

This study highlights the disparity between what is known and practiced by hospital doctors regarding delirium care. This implies increased training for delirium management with frequent use of assessment tools and ongoing education aimed at enhancing patient outcomes in cases of delirium.

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Not applicable.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Medicine/Acute Medicine, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland

    Mohamed Hassabo, Patrick Mc Cluskey, Joseph Browne & Ontefetse Ntlholang

Authors
  1. Mohamed Hassabo
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  2. Patrick Mc Cluskey
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  3. Joseph Browne
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  4. Ontefetse Ntlholang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohamed Hassabo.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards and it has been approved by the research and innovation office at St James’s hospital under reference number 8039.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Hassabo, M., Mc Cluskey, P., Browne, J. et al. A survey of non-consultant hospital doctors’ perspectives, knowledge, and practices toward delirium in a large Irish hospital. Ir J Med Sci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-024-03661-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-024-03661-1

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