COVID Resources

COVID-19 Resources

Delirium is a common presenting symptom of severe illness in older adults. Thus, with a suspected COVID-19 diagnosis, mental status should be assessed. Moreover, if delirium is present, suspicion should rise for the presence of COVID-19, as well as the potential for a more severe infection. Older adults are most vulnerable to severe infection with COVID-19 and mortality. Here, we provide you with some resources relevant to COVID-19 and delirium to assist you in the care of older adults.

Delirium is an acute confusional state that is common among hospitalized elders and is strongly associated with poor short-term and long-term outcomes. Delirium is preventable, and non-pharmacologic methods are effective for prevention and management. Pharmacologic management of delirium should be reserved for extreme cases of agitation.

Delirium is a common atypical presentation of COVID-19 in older adults.  In a study of 817 older adults with documented COVID-19 infection presenting to 7 EDs across the U.S., delirium was the sixth most common of all presenting symptoms and signs, occurring in 28% of patients. Among the patients with delirium, 37 (16%) had delirium as a primary symptom and 84 (37%) had no typical COVID-19 symptoms or signs, such as fever or shortness of breath.

The World Health Organization (WHO) core case record form for COVID-19 includes “altered consciousness/confusion” as a presenting symptom of COVID-19. Click on the image below for more official guidance from the WHO.

COVID Toolkit 

Patient Toolkit with all the materials necessary to help older adults maintain cognitive and physical functioning – and prevent delirium – during their hospital stay. This toolkit is designed to help older adults who are in isolation with no volunteer/family visiting and limited interaction with hospital staff. This resource is applicable for many settings, including but not limited to acute care, long-term care, and the emergency department. Click here to access the COVID-19 Toolkit. 

The following one-pager from the Geriatric Emergency Department Collaborative is specific to identifying, preventing, and treating delirium in the ED in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic: https://gedcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JGEM_Vol1Issue4_Supplement1.pdf. 

Considering advance care planning with older adults during COVID-19 is extremely important for patients, family members, and clinicians. For resources to help you facilitate those discussions:

The National Academy of Medicine and American Public Health Association are hosting a webinar series called “COVID-19 Conversations” on the most relevant topics related to the global pandemic, featuring medical and public health experts. You can tune into the live webinars or watch recordings of previous webinars on their site.