Delerium in the Critically Ill Patient- Pharmacy's Role

Delerium in the Critically Ill Patient: The Pharmacist's Role in Identification, Prevention, and Treatment- Delirium occurs frequently in critically ill patients and is an independent predictor of adverse outcome. Therefore, delirium prevention, identification, and optimal treatment are essential components of intensive care unit (ICU) practice. Pharmacists have an important role to play in implementing strategies known to reduce the incidence of delirium, leading delirium screening efforts, and managing delirium should it occur.

In this educational activity, faculty will provide an overview of the risk factors and clinical sequelae of delirium in patients in the ICU. Strategies to boost the recognition of delirium by pharmacists will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between sedation choice and level of sedation achieved, and the prevention of delirium will be highlighted. Key points from the medical literature describing the provision of safe and effective pharmacotherapy for critically ill patients who develop delirium will be presented.
•Describe the clinical significance of delirium in patients in the ICU.
•Describe how to incorporate the use of delirium screening tools into daily practice.
•Identify reversible risk factors for delirium in critically ill patients and develop practice strategies to minimize the exposure of patients to these risk factors.
•Develop an evidence-based treatment plan for delirium in a critically ill patient.
•Describe safety concerns related to the treatment of delirium in the critically ill patient.

1.0 Free CPE for Pharmacists

Expires 3/1/12