Disclaimer

These recommendations published by The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) incorporate data obtained from a literature review of the most recent studies available at the time. As with all clinical reference resources, they reflect the best understanding of the science of medicine at the time of publication, but they should be used with the clear understanding that continued research may result in new knowledge and recommendations. These Recommendations are intended for general information only, are not medical advice, and do not replace professional medical care and physician advice, which always should be sought for any specific condition.

DESCRIPTION

The overall goal of this clinical guideline is to improve clinical care of adults 65 years and older through prevention and treatment of delirium in the postoperative setting. The recommendations are made based on studies that included both surgical and nonsurgical patient cohorts. The specific aims addressed by the guideline include (1) the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions that should be implemented perioperatively for the prevention (ie, before delirium occurs) of postoperative delirium, and (2) the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions that should be implemented perioperatively for treatment (ie, once delirium has occurred) of postoperative delirium.

The development of this paper was supported in part by the American Geriatrics Society Geriatrics-for-Specialists Initiative (AGS-GSI) through an unrestricted grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation.