The Intensive Care Society (ICS) has released updated guidance titled Guidance for Delirium in the Critically Ill Patient . The document outlines current evidence, best practice and practical recommendations to support the prevention, detection and management of delirium in adult critical care.
Key recommendations include:
- Routine use of validated delirium screening tools such as CAM-ICU or ICDSC for all critically ill patients.
- Adoption of a multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological first-line approach, reserving medication only for situations where there is immediate risk to patient or staff safety.
- Early recognition and treatment of underlying causes, supported by structured assessment, communication and documentation.
- Implementation of a care-bundle approach, combining screening, prevention, and management interventions as part of daily ICU practice.
- Enhanced staff education, family involvement and leadership engagement to improve awareness and consistency in delirium care.
The guidance emphasises that delirium is both common and preventable, affecting up to 74% of ventilated ICU patients, and calls for a shift in focus from reactive management to proactive prevention.
Read the full guidance here
“Delirium in the critically ill patient remains one of the most under-recognised and under-diagnosed conditions in intensive care. Early detection and a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach can significantly improve outcomes and reduce harm.”
Related Event
Delirium Prevention, Assessment and Effective Management
Virtual Conference | Thursday 4 December 2025
This national conference will reflect on the implications of the 2025 ICS guidance and share best practice in delirium prevention, recognition and management. It will include a key session on “Delirium and the Critically Ill Patient: The 2025 Guidance” delivered by Catherine McKenzie, alongside practical case studies from across acute and critical care.
