Most postoperative delirium prevention rests on a short list of established measures. Avoid benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs where possible, treat pain adequately with opioid-sparing analgesia, and keep glasses and hearing aids with the patient into recovery.
On the ward, early mobilisation, normal sleep–wake cycles, hydration, nutrition and reorientation by staff and family all help. Screening every older patient with a quick tool such as the 4AT makes delirium visible.
- Avoid benzodiazepine premedication in older patients unless there is a clear indication.
- Send glasses, hearing aids and dentures to recovery with the patient.
- Mobilise early and restore normal sleep and day–night cues on the ward.
- Screen older patients after surgery with the 4AT and act on a positive result.
Why it matters
These steps work when someone owns them, which no alert can replace.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for anaesthesiology, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free