The American Geriatrics Society has released its new Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults , which the society hopes will enable health care professionals to improve delirium prevention and treatment through evidence-based measures.
Among the recommendations for treating delirium in geriatric postsurgical patients are nonpharmacologic interventions such as mobility and walking, avoiding physical restraints, and assuring adequate oxygen, fluids, and nutrition; pain management, preferably with nonopioid medications; and avoidance of certain medications such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and cholinesterase inhibitors. The guidelines are part of a larger package that includes patient resources, evidence tables and journal articles, and other companion public education materials, available on the AGS website .
