Delirium, polypharmacy and adverse outcomes: findings from a hospital in Kerala, India

Delirium is an acute disorder of attention and awareness, a medical emergency associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Delirium remains under-recognised, and few studies are from India. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of delirium and its risk factors among hospitalised older patients admitted to medical and surgical wards in a teaching hospital in Central South India. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study on 100 older patients admitted to medical and surgical wards in April-October, 2020. Patient data were obtained from a record review, extracting information on comorbidities, medications, and terms indicating delirium. Delirium was present in 39% of the study population and was significantly associated with older age (88%), abnormal electrolytes (59%), and polypharmacy (87%). Delirium was also significantly associated with mortality (28%) and prolonged hospital stay. (36%) The prevalence of delirium is high among older hospitalised patients and is significantly related to adverse hospital outcomes. The findings of this study could trigger changes in hospital policies in screening for delirium in older persons for its prompt recognition and prevention of adverse health outcomes.