Recovery after delirium in patients with neurological diseases: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to systematically review the association between delirium and health effects in patients with neurological diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with acute brain dysfunction, characterized by fluctuating symptoms that affect cognition and consciousness. It is common in hospitalized patients, especially older patients and those with neurological conditions, and is associated with multiple poor health effects. However, recovery measured as health effects after delirium is unclear, and synthesis is needed to secure the best treatment for patients.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review will include observational studies that assess short- and long-term health effects after delirium in adult patients hospitalized for a principal neurological diagnosis . All delirium health effects will be investigated to assess the individual's recovery from delirium. The primary outcome is cognitive decline, and secondary outcomes are mortality and survival, functional decline, psychological outcomes, and health care utilization. Outcomes must be measured with validated scales.

METHODS: This review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of etiology and risk and be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The search will be conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. No language restrictions will be applied. Two reviewers will independently perform study screening, selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. If applicable, meta-analysis will be conducted to assess the strength of the association between delirium and health effects. The results will be presented in tabular and graphical format, with a narrative summary.

REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420251025893.