Herziene richtlijn 'Delier volwassenen en ouderen'

• A multidisciplinary workgroup has revised the 2004 practice guidelines on 'Delirium' on the initiative of the Dutch Geriatrics Society.
• In comparison with the previous version, the new guidelines place more emphasis on screening and non-pharmaceutical prevention and treatment. They recommend a degree of restraint when prescribing medication.
• Both the patient's and the caregiver's perspectives are discussed.
• The guidelines also focus on delirium in patients in a nursing home setting, and describe what the workgroup regards as optimal care for patients suffering from delirium.
• The revised guidelines consider the diagnosis and treatment of delirium as a part of basic medical care and primarily the responsibility of the attending physician.
• The workgroup advises consulting an expert in the field of delirium only in cases of lack of experience, and for complex cases.
• The guidelines also include recommendations for the organization of follow-up care for the delirium patient.

Conflict of interest and financial support for this article: M.L. Molag has received a grant for literature review and guideline development from the Dutch 'Stichting Kwaliteitsgelden Medisch Specialisten' ('Foundation for quality-financing for medical specialists').