Underrecognition of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Retrospective Comparison Between Cancer and Noncancer…

Cohort studyPalliative medicine reports· Jan 2026

Underrecognition of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Retrospective Comparison Between Cancer and Noncancer Patient Populations.

Yoko Suzuki, Yuki Takahashi, Tsubasa Nishihara … Kenji Yamamoto

Palliative & End-of-LifeCohort studyDiagnosisQ1IF 1.4

Physicians failed to recognize delirium in about 71% of noncancer palliative care patients.

Underrecognition of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Retrospective Comparison Between Cancer and Noncancer Patient Populations.

Yoko Suzuki … Kenji Yamamoto

Palliative medicine reports · Jan 2026

Background

Delirium is associated with high mortality and substantial patient distress; therefore, early identification and management are crucial.

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify these aspects in noncancer patient populations to raise awareness among physicians and provide insights to improve palliative care delivery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1540 inpatients receiving palliative care at a university hospital in Japan between January 2018 and December 2023.

n = 1540 inpatients

Results

71.0%

Proportion of delirium cases in noncancer patients not identified by treating physicians.

n = 1540 inpatients

More results

In the noncancer group, the number of annual referrals to palliative care increased during the study period (from 7 to 66).

Both the cancer and noncancer groups were commonly referred for pain, dyspnea, anxiety, insomnia, and delirium.

“

Conclusion

Underrecognition of delirium in palliative care settings is a common issue in both cancer and noncancer patient populations. Enhancing physician awareness may improve palliative care quality in these populations.

Underrecognition of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Retrospective Comparison Between Cancer and Noncancer Patient Populations.

Underrecognition of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Retrospective Comparison Between Cancer and Noncancer Patient Populations.

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