Title : Identification and Mitigation of Post-operative Delirium
Abstract:
Delirium is a frequently preventable complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Post-operative delirium occurs in up to half of all elderly patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery. Not only does this result in increased hospital length of stay and cost, it may predispose to post-operative cognitive dysfunction and reduced functional status. With an ageing population accounting for one third of surgeries performed in the United States, it is imperative that we learn to identify patients at risk of developing post-operative delirium and strategies to mitigate its incidence. Such strategies include pre-operative optimization, careful medication selection including maximizing non-narcotic analgesics, routine delirium screening, and post-operative multi-component interventions. Fast tracking and enhanced recovery after surgery pathways may also be beneficial.
Learning goals:
- Understand the significance of post-operative delirium
- Recognize post-operative delirium
- Describe risk factors for post-operative delirium
- Learn strategies to mitigate the incidence of post-operative delirium
