Delirium: an urgent health priority in Australian hospitals

Delirium is a common health problem with serious and long-lasting health consequences that disproportionately affects vulnerable population groups (especially older people with dementia or frailty). Multicomponent, non-pharmacological interventions can prevent up to half of hospital-acquired delirium cases, but these interventions are poorly prioritised, hindered by upstream factors across the health system. This perspective examines the broader health system, policy and social contexts that have limited recognition of delirium as a public health priority in Australia, calling for urgent policy reform to address preventable harm, reduce inequities and strengthen healthy ageing outcomes.