Triggers for Referral to Specialized Palliative Care in Advanced Neurologic and Neurosurgical Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Background And Objectives: To systematically review the literature for the most suitable trigger criteria for referral to specialist palliative care services in life-limiting and life-threatening neurologic and neurosurgical conditions.

Methods: Literature searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE (1990-December 2020). To be included, studies must have trigger/referral criteria clearly outlined, a ≥75% nononcology neurosciences population, and consensus or guidelines documents regarding palliative neurosciences or trigger/referral criteria.

Delirium: a review.

Delirium affects a diverse patient population, may present with highly variable clinical features, is a source of distress for patients and their caregivers, prolongs hospital stays and may herald a poor prognosis. Many cases of delirium are reversible and therefore a full history, physical examination and investigations should be performed. Ahigh degree of suspicion is required for detecting delirium and thorough investigations are necessary in order to determine the underlying etiology and to maximize the potential for reversibility.