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International Journal of Emergency Medicine
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Original Research

Knowledge and practices of Thai emergency physicians regarding the care of delirious elderly patients

Authors: Jiraporn Sri-on, Gregory Philip Tirrell, Prasit Wuthisuthimethawee, Shan Woo Liu

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Geriatric Emergency Medicine Task Force recommends assessment of delirium for all elderly emergency department (ED) patients. Little is known about emergency physicians' (EPs) opinions regarding care of delirious elderly patients. We sought to determine the knowledge and practice experience of members of the Thai Association for Emergency Medicine regarding the care of delirious elderly ED patients.

Methods

We surveyed all Thai emergency physicians from July to September 2013 using a brief online survey as this does not include any non-trained physician working in the private/provincial/community EDs, still a significant part of the ED workforce in Thailand.

Results

We had a response rate of 50% (239/474) of which 95% (228/239) completed the survey. Respondents largely reported that <10% of their patients experience delirium. Eighty-five percent of the respondents recognized delirium as a problem that required active intervention, and 76% of the respondents thought it was underdiagnosed in the ED. Only 24% of the respondents reported routinely screening delirium in the ED and 16% reported using a specific screening tool for delirium assessment. Forty-two percent of the respondents reported treating delirium with a long acting benzodiazepine and 29% reported using haloperidol. Forty percent of respondents thought that oversedation was the most common complication associated with drug treatment of delirium.

Conclusions

Basic knowledge and perceptions surrounding the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of delirium in elderly ED patients by Thai EPs vary. Most of the Thai EPs consider delirium in the ED an emergency condition, while far fewer screen for this condition. Future research and quality improvement should determine which single screening tool is appropriate for EPs in regular practice as well as how to standardize delirium management in the ED.
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Metadata
Title
Knowledge and practices of Thai emergency physicians regarding the care of delirious elderly patients
Authors
Jiraporn Sri-on
Gregory Philip Tirrell
Prasit Wuthisuthimethawee
Shan Woo Liu
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-014-0038-z

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