Knowledge and attitudes toward delirium: a multi-centered survey in a sample of physicians and pre-registration house officers in Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Delirium is common in older adult population in hospitals. It increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost. Worldwide studies showed that early recognition and proper management are deficient because of knowledge lack among physicians.

Objective: In Egypt, there is a lack of studies assessing delirium knowledge and attitudes in physicians. We aim to assess delirium awareness and attitudes of physicians and pre-registration house officers in Egypt.

Methods: We conducted an online survey evaluating delirium knowledge, diagnostic criteria, and management attitudes. Participants included physicians at various career stages and pre-registration house officers from university and Ministry of Health hospitals across Egypt.

Results: From 1,000 surveys distributed, we obtained 649 responses. Approximately three-quarters of the participants underestimated the prevalence of delirium (77.6%). A few participants knew the outcomes. Knowledge of diagnostic criteria was better. 55.3% of participants use assessment tools as confusion assessment method (CAM). Only about a third had confidence in delirium diagnosis (32.2%) or management (19.4%) and a minority (22.1%) performed serial cognitive assessment in patients at risk of delirium. Only 23.7% reported adequate training. Likely delirium-oriented specialties as geriatrics together with physicians at Ain Shams University hospitals showed more significant knowledge and attitudes to delirium.

Conclusion: We highlighted gaps in delirium awareness and practice among physicians and pre-registration house officers in a variety of hospitals in Egypt. This underlined the need for enhanced delirium education and training.