Occurrence and outcome of delirium in medical in-patients: a systematic literature review

Despite the acknowledged clinical importance of delirium, research evidence for measures to improve its management is sparse. A necessary first step to devising appropriate strategies is to understand how common it is and what its outcomes are in any particular setting.

To determine the occurrence of delirium and its outcomes in medical in-patients, through a systematic review of the literature. METHOD: We searched electronic medical databases, the Consultation-Liaison Literature Database and reference lists and bibliographies for potentially relevant studies. Studies were selected, quality assessed and data extracted according to preset protocols.