Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
Wednesday, 15 March, 2017

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is developing a new guideline on the diagnosis and management of adults with delirium.

The College response notes that the impact of reversible causes of delirium, including toxic and/or structural causes are covered within the remit but would benefit from being more clearly highlighted. It is also important to make clear guidance between the management of acute delirium, compared to care of more chronic subacute states.


Fellows noted that this proposed new SIGN guideline on delirium would be in addition to the wide ranging list of publications and recent advice on delirium. These existing resources provide extensive, current and well evidenced material. It was suggested that a short piece of consensus work may add value to the existing resources, particularly around advice as to the best screening tool to use in different settings; the evidence for pharmacological therapy -particularly which drugs and in which order; and follow up and repeat cognitive testing.