Perceptions, attitudes and practices of postoperative delirium: A survey of anesthetists from Chinese university hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative delirium is a common mental complication that is often neglected by medical professionals. This survey aimed to determine the current opinions regarding postoperative delirium in anesthetists from Chinese university affiliated hospitals. Methods: A paper-based survey was administrated during an anesthesia forum held in Wuhan, China. A total of 320 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the attendees from university affiliated hospitals. Results: Two hundred and twenty-five (70.3%) valid responses were collected. Postoperative delirium was regarded as a serious problem by 82.2% of respondents; 70.9% and 64.7%, respectively believed that regular assessment and active intervention should be implemented. However, 36.4% underestimated the incidence of postoperative delirium. Only 7.7% of respondents knew the exact diagnosis criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, and less than half were aware that haloperidol could treat delirium. As to assessment practices, 86.1% respondents had never assessed delirium or performed assessments occasionally. Over 60% had never heard of the commonly applied delirium screening instruments. Discussion: An obvious disparity was found between the perceived significance and current practice of postoperative delirium among the population of anesthetists in Chinese university hospitals, suggesting that further education regarding postoperative delirium is required.