Risk Factors and Antipsychotic Usage Patterns Associated With Terminal Delirium in a Veteran Long-Term Care Hospice Population.

Background: The development of delirium is very common in terminally ill patients. However, risk factors for terminal delirium in the veteran population are poorly identified. The purpose of this study was to (1) Identify risk factors for terminal delirium in a US Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient hospice population; (2) Assess usage patterns of antipsychotics for treatment of terminal delirium; and (3) Describe nursing assessment, nonpharmacologic interventions, and documentation of terminal delirium.