Postoperative Delirium

In this webinar we will explore post operative delirium (POD). POD is a serious complication that is associated with increased morbidity and double the risk of mortality from surgery compared to non-delirious patients. It's causes are mutlifactorial, can occur in any patient, but a higher risk occurs in certain patient groups. It may also pose a risk to staff injury.
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2025/2026

Course Content

Post operative delirium (POD) is a transient global disorder of cognition and attention that is characterised by extreme disturbances of arousal, attention, orientation, perception, intellectual function, and affect. This is often accompanied by the patient being very fearful and agitated.

POD is a serious expensive complication that is associated with increased morbidity and double the risk of mortality from surgery compared to non-delirious patients. It's causes are mutlifactorial, can occur in any patient, but a higher risk occurs in certain patient groups. It may also pose a risk to staff injury.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings can differ. The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare provide a 2022 Delirium Clinical Care Standard.

Why this session may be relevant to your work

I work in a setting where clients return to my organisation post surgery. This information is crucial to my practice in identifying and assisting with a person experiencing delirium

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Be provided with an overview of this serious and complex post operative complications
  • Gain a better overall understanding of postoperative delirium
  • Gain insight on what this may be like for the patient and their family
  • Learn a little about Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction

Dr Paula Foran

PhD RN, FACORN 
Dr Paula Foran comes from a perianaesthesia nursing background. She has many publications to her credit including published articles and several book chapters on perianaesthesia and surgical nursing. Paula currently sits on the ‘Victorian Perioperative Council’ and the case review sub-committee in morbidity and mortality for the Department of Health.