SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Delirium Knowledge and Attitudes in Internal & Emergency Medicine Providers

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This study surveyed Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine physicians and advanced practice providers at an academic medical center to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers related to delirium, using the “4Ms” framework of older adult care: mobility, medication, mentation, and what matters.<br /><br />An anonymous REDCap survey was sent to hospital medicine and emergency medicine staff. Responses from 157 Internal Medicine and 93 Emergency Medicine providers were analyzed using descriptive statistics.<br /><br />Overall, providers demonstrated good delirium knowledge, with 89.2% of answers correct. However, important gaps remained: 21.7% did not recognize inattentiveness as a feature of delirium, and 17.3% did not identify mobility as a management strategy. Providers felt more confident identifying delirium than managing it (96.8% vs 90.5% rating themselves “Fair” or above). Most believed delirium can sometimes be prevented, but 66% reported difficulty distinguishing delirium from other illnesses, and 31% identified lack of medical prioritization as a barrier.<br /><br />Both departments reported that hospital environment and time constraints were major obstacles. Department-specific concerns included medication knowledge and management expectations. Suggested solutions were largely systems-based, such as dedicated staff, delirium precaution orders, sensory amplifiers, nursing education, family/caregiver education, provider education, pharmacy consults, delirium champions, and interdisciplinary rounds.<br /><br />The authors conclude that while clinicians have generally positive attitudes and reasonable knowledge about delirium, there is a need for systemic interventions to improve prevention, recognition, and management in both inpatient and emergency settings.

Asset Subtitle

Kellie H. Inouye

Meta Tag

Author List Katarzyna Gore, Kellie H. Inouye, Mosmi Surati

Category Research

Concept Delirium

Concept Inattentiveness

Concept Delirium Identification

Concept Older Adults

Concept Delirium Management

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Rush University

Presenting Author Kellie H. Inouye

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

delirium

internal medicine

emergency medicine

older adult care

4Ms framework

knowledge survey

provider attitudes

barriers to care

hospital medicine

systemic interventions

Delirium

Inattentiveness

Delirium Identification

Older Adults

Delirium Management