Epidemiology

epidemiology

Delirium is commonly seen in older patients who are hospitalised or are in long-term care facilities

Incidence during hospital admission

• after hip fracture - 28% to 61%
• after surgery - 15% to 53%
• during hospitalisation (medical inpatients) - 3% to 29%

Prevalence of delirium:

• intensive care unit
  • with mechanical ventilation - 60% to 80%
  • without mechanical ventilation - 20% to 50%
• hospice - 29%
• in the community, 85 years or older - 14%
• in older people, 65 years or older
  • those living in long term care facilities - 10% to 34%
  • those in emergency departments - 30%
  • during a hospital stay - 10-42%
• long-term care facility and postacute care - 1% to 60% (1,2)

Reference:

• (1) Kalish VB, Gillham JE, Unwin BK. Delirium in older persons: evaluation and management. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(3):150-8.
• (2) Vidal EI et al. Delirium in older adults. BMJ. 2013;346:f2031.