Editorial
Delirium as Proxy for Health Care Reform
Abstract
I read with interest Reeves et al's1 article in this issue of the SMJ, entitled “Psychiatric Admission of Elderly Patients with Unrecognized Delirium.” This noteworthy study analyzes the success rate of distinguishing dementia from delirium, and factors contributing to errors in that process. While I appreciate the practical information they presented, I found myself reflecting on the broader implications of their findings as well.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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References
1.Reeves RR, Parker JD, Burke RS, et al. Inappropriate psychiatric admission of elderly patients with unrecognized delirium. South Med J 2010;103:111–115.
2.Huang J. Delirium and Dementia. Merck Manual Home Edition. 2008. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec06/ch083/ch083a.html. Accessed August 26, 2009.
3.Shafrin J. Geriatrician Shortage. Healthcare Economist. August 6, 2008. Available at: www.healthcare-economist.com/2008/08/06/geriatrician-shortage. Accessed August 26, 2009.
4.Shortage of Geriatrics Healthcare Providers. The American Geriatrics Society. 2008. Available at: www.americangeriatrics.org/policy/geriatrician_shortage.shtml. Accessed August 26, 2008.
5.Erikson C. What Are We Learning About Specialty Choice? Association of American Medical Colleges. November 1, 2008. Available at: www.aamc.org/workforce/annualmeeting08/clese2008.pdf. Accessed August 26, 2009.
