DELIRIUM+ as a mnemonic device to optimize delirium-related teaching and clinical care

Abstract

Delirium, a common neurocognitive disorder among hospitalized older adults, depends on an interrelationship between precipitating and predisposing factors. Adequate prevention, detection, and management are directly related to knowledge of these factors. Due to a lack of education, delirium is underdiagnosed and the time taken to identify and react to the condition is suboptimal. Based on an open review of the literature, the main precipitating factors were compiled into the acronym DELIRIUM, in Portuguese. A second acronym MAIS (meaning ‘plus’) was compiled from important behaviors for preventing and treating delirium. Thus, the mnemonic device DELIRUM+ stands for: Discomfort, Electrolytes/metabolism, Locale/environment, Infections, urinary/fecal Retention; and acute clinical complIcations; Uremia; Medications + (Mobility, Assistant/companion, Interactions, and Sleep/psychotropic substances]. This mnemonic device can encourage teaching and care aimed at the prevention, detection, and management of delirium. Ideally, the clinical impact of this mnemonic device should be tested in research to validate its implementation.