Detected Delirium Prevalence and Practices in Australia and New Zealand: A Sub‐Analysis of the World Delirium Awareness Day Prevalence Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To describe detected delirium prevalence and current delirium-related practices in Australian and New Zealand healthcare sites. METHODS: This study was a sub-analysis of Australian and New Zealand data from an international cross-sectional survey conducted on World Delirium Awareness Day 2023. Delirium was identified using existing clinical practices on participating wards. RESULTS: Across 257 wards of varying specialties and acuities, detected delirium prevalence was 16% (n = 637/4033) at 8:00 AM and 16% (n = 609/3836) at 8:00 PM. Delirium assessment rates were 63% (n = 4033/6369) at 8:00 AM and 63% (n = 3836/6091) at 8:00 PM. Most wards (93%) used validated assessment tools, most commonly 4AT and CAM. Just over half (53%) assessed for delirium at least daily, whereas 37% only assessed in response to the sudden changes in consciousness or clinical condition. Written delirium protocols were common (91%). Non-pharmacological strategies were widely implemented, particularly ensuring adequate fluids (87%), mobilisation (84%) and pain management (84%). Frequent use of pharmacological interventions was often reported, particularly antipsychotics, including risperidone (36%), haloperidol (35%) and quetiapine (31%). Key perceived barriers to implementation of evidence-based delirium care were staff shortage (70%), lack of time to educate and train staff (53%) and missing knowledge (49%). CONCLUSIONS: In Australia and New Zealand, delirium assessment practices have improved over time. Non-pharmacological strategies are widely used; however, antipsychotic use remains substantial. Workforce constraints, education gaps and system pressures may contribute to variability in delirium care delivery. Addressing these factors, alongside engagement with carers, may support further improvements in care. Ongoing surveillance through repeated surveys would help monitor trends in delirium care over time.
Source: Australasian Journal on Ageing
DOI: 10.1111/ajag.70227
Authors: Shiny Huang, Robert Welschinger, Christina Aggar, Kasia Bail, Elizabeth Cusworth, Elaine Docherty, Marleta Fong, Engelina Groenewald, Jane Hopkins, John Hopkins, Sabrina Kohler, Sharon Liefrink, Yu‐Min Lin, Heidi Lindroth, Keibun Liu, Elaine Newman, Renae Nicol, Peter Nydahl, Valerie Ozorio, Kate Sainsbury, Frederick Sundram, Stephanie Tam, Aik Haw Tan, Joventino Tongco, Mercy Wanyika, Kristel Ward‐Stockham, Melinda Webb‐St Mart, Gideon A. Caplan
Institutions: UNSW Sydney, Prince of Wales Hospital, Southern Cross University, University of Canberra, Act Health, Eastern Health, Health New Zealand, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Fremantle Hospital, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group, Austin Health, Regenstrief Institute, Mayo Clinic, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Prince Charles Hospital, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Paracelsus Medical University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Auckland, Palmerston North Hospital, Auckland City Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204456473