Update for nurses on timely assessment of this common condition in acute settings and long-term care, and why it should be treated as a medical emergency

Delirium is a common condition experienced by people in hospitals and long-term care settings. Opportunities to prevent and treat it are often not taken, however, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It has updated its guidance and is urging the NHS and providers of long-term care to do more to meet people’s needs.