A systematic review looked for nonpharmacological interventions designed to support recovery in adults with diagnosed, ongoing delirium. It found 11 studies, reported in 12 articles, and assessed their reporting using the TIDieR checklist.
The interventions varied widely in content, dose and duration. Fidelity was high and attrition attributable to the intervention was minimal. More than half were done during the acute admission and only one continued at home after discharge. Few targeted emotional recovery from delirium, and long-term follow-up was limited.
The authors conclude that evidence is limited, heterogeneous and largely confined to acute care, with emotional recovery and long-term outcomes underexplored. The review was narrative and does not give effect sizes, so it cannot guide which intervention to use. It does highlight that patients and families are often left without support after the acute episode.
- Only 11 studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Interventions varied widely in dose and duration.
- Only one study continued after discharge home.
- Few addressed emotional recovery from delirium.
- Explain delirium to patients and families before discharge and plan follow-up.
Why it matters
Delirium recovery is largely unstudied outside hospital, where much of the burden falls.
Don't overread it
A narrative review of 11 heterogeneous studies cannot show that any recovery intervention works.
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