Success stories about delirium can help improve awareness, knowledge, and motivation in dealing with delirium. Such stories describe positive experiences related to delirium—for example, successful implementation projects, helpful support in the hospital, or innovative approaches to overcoming the challenge.
Between March 12 (World Delirium Awareness Day) and April 23, 2025, stories will be collected worldwide from healthcare professionals, former adult patients, and their relatives. The aim is to capture the main themes, context, and experiences surrounding delirium. The stories collected will show what works well in delirium care and how it can be further improved.
The survey will be conducted online worldwide in several languages and distributed via networks of delirium experts, social media, and professional organizations. All personal data will be anonymized. The stories will be translated into English and evaluated both quantitatively (e.g., number of stories, word count) and qualitatively (content analysis using artificial intelligence).
By participating, you can help expand knowledge about successful experiences with delirium and develop strategies for improving delirium management.
Delirium affects 1 in 5 hospitalized people of all ages and has significant long-term consequences, both for those affected and for society as a whole.
Delirium is an acute, fluctuating state of confusion that can occur in patients of any age, but is particularly common in older people and those with serious illnesses. Although it is a common condition, delirium often goes unrecognized and untreated, leading to a cascade of negative consequences. These include prolonged hospital stays by an average of five days, a fivefold increase in hospital mortality rates, and a threefold increase in the risk of long-term cognitive decline and functional impairment.
Given the severity of this problem, it is essential that we implement evidence-based strategies for the prevention, detection, and treatment of delirium. Research has shown that multi-component interventions, including regular cognitive assessments, medication reviews, and environmental modifications, can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of delirium. Education and training programs for healthcare professionals are also crucial to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment of this condition.
However, effective treatment of delirium requires more than just medical intervention. It requires a comprehensive support system that includes the commitment and cooperation of society. Awareness campaigns for the general public, self-help groups for those affected and their caregivers, and partnerships with local organizations can play an important role in providing the necessary resources and support. By promoting a community-based approach, we can create an environment in which people at risk of delirium receive the care and attention they need.
