Guidance on delirium in critically ill patients has been published by the Intensive Care Society, building on the 2006 UKCPA guidelines and incorporating the latest evidence and expert recommendations.
Delirium, which affects up to 74% of ventilated patients, is often underdiagnosed and linked to long-term cognitive impairment, increased mortality, and significant strain on patients, families, and healthcare staff. This new resource aims to provide multiprofessional healthcare teams with best practices to detect, prevent, and manage delirium effectively within the ICU.
The guidelines stress the importance of early detection using validated screening tools such as CAM-ICU and ICDSC, while prioritising non-pharmacological interventions as the first line of defence. A coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach is key, with recommendations for personalised care, structured assessments, and the minimisation of environmental triggers. The guidelines also provide clear standards for managing sedation and analgesia, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients throughout their ICU stay.
This resource offers ICU teams helpful and focused guidance for Delirium. It represents a vital step forward in improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare providers in managing delirium in critical care. By implementing these best practices, we can reduce the impact of delirium on patients, families and staff, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and supporting families during a challenging time.
The guide concludes that delirium is a huge burden to patients, families and staff. It comes with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Management lies in reducing incidence (where possible), prompt diagnosis, involvement and explanation to families, and a co-ordinated MDT non-pharmacological approach. Pharmacological therapy should only be instituted where the safety of the patient and staff are at risk, or where withdrawal states are thought to be contributory.
Endorsing Organisations
- UK Clinical Pharmacy Association
- UK Critical Care Nursing Alliance:
- Royal College of Nursing
- British Association of Critical Care Nurses
- Intensive Care Society
- Critical Care National Network Nurse Lead Forum • Intensive Care Society
- National Outreach Forum
- Paediatric Critical Care Society
