Delirium Care Pathways

A patient/client journey for use in the community

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To view and print the flowchart as a PDF file, click here: A patient/client journey in the community (PDF 401 KB).
To view and print the flowchart as an image, click here: A patient/client journey in the community (JPG 140 KB).

A patient/client journey for use in the community

Conduct baseline cognitive assessment (refer to page 3) or the service preferred at the commencement of service provision. Use the assessments or screens as used in own facilities/services or other relevant materials.

Risk screen completed (refer to page 4), including consultation with family/carer.

Screen for delirium, refer to page 7. If not, refer to preventative strategies on page 5.

Consider clinical issues, such as signs of infection, constipation, dehydration, pain or new medications;

Discuss with family/carer and community service;

Refer to the advanced care plan; and

Consider who is consenting to care.

Call GP to diagnose delirium, as outlined on pages 8 to 10. If not, refer to preventative strategies on page 5.

Treat with service protocol or treatment recommended by GP;

Educate family/carer and relevant staff, refer to page 14, and consider the use of an interpreter; and

Refer to advanced care plan.

Is the delirium problematic? If no, refer to preventative strategies on page 5.

Is there a GP, acute care advice line or local aged services?
If yes, contact GP, acute care advice line or local aged services.
If no, refer to Emergency Department.

Handover care if required, follow local protocol/policy; and

Ensure staff and patient/client/family/carer aware you need to be informed of discharge plans.

* To use assessments or screens as used in own facilities/services or other relevant material.

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