Course Description

The diagnosis and supportive management of delirium in elderly patients represents a clinical challenge for many clinicians and most trainees. Delirium is common, underrecognized, and potentially preventable condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This web-based, interactive virtual patient program aims to educate clinicians on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of delirium in the elderly. The module consists of two cases in the inpatient setting: 1) a 72 year-old female admitted to the hospital to rule out myocardial infarction who ends up with a medication-induced delirium after cardiac catheterization, and 2) a 69 year-old male who undergoes total hip arthroplasty complicated by post-operative delirium. The module ends with a third case depicting delirium in the outpatient setting, a unique but not uncommon scenario. Questions are interspersed within each case and text and/or video feedback are provided to reinforce learning. At the completion of the module, the learner is presented with a teaching summary that emphasizes the most salient points of the module. References are provided with links to full PubMed abstracts.