Assessment and Management of Delirium

Assessment and Management of Delirium

The WA Dementia Training Study Centre is updating the very popular “Assessment and management of confusion in the acute care setting” eLearning modules.

If you would like to be notified when this updated resource becomes available please email Lynda Durack at

Delirium is a serious medical problem and people with dementia are most at risk for developing delirium during periods of illness or hospitalisation.

The rate of delirium in older hospitalised clients (over 65 years) is significantly higher—as much as 50%—with the highest rates reported among those with co-morbidities such as acute fracture and dementia. However, health professionals experience difficulty in recognising the presence of delirium, identifying the predisposing risk factors, and in differentiating between delirium and other conditions such as dementia and depression.

The course has three modules and will assist health professionals to:

  • Evaluate the causes of delirium, its prevalence, acuity and the need for risk assessment.
  • Identify the precipitating and predisposing factors associated with delirium.
  • Conduct a cognitive screening assessment.
  • Identify diagnostic algorithms for delirium.
  • Evaluate different approaches to managing delirium.

A certificate of achievement will be available after successful completion of the course which may be used to contribute as professional development (CPD) evidence for some health professions.