Delirium is a condition which can result in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone’s surroundings, often due to illness or surgery.
People may not know that they have had delirium as it can be hard to
recognise. It can be frightening and distressing — not only for the person experiencing it, but also for carers and the health and social care professionals who care for them.
Despite its impact, delirium remains under-researched. That’s why the James Lind Alliance Delirium UK Priority Setting Partnership is
launching a national survey to identify the most important questions that future research should address.
This Partnership is led by Professor Elizabeth Sampson and Professor Emma Vardy, and is supported by the James Lind Alliance, a non-profit initiative based in England
hosted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Why does this matter?
Delirium is a clinical emergency which can happen to anyone of any age who is seriously unwell. Despite its significant impact, delirium is often overlooked, and they are still many unanswered questions about how best to prevent, treat, and support those affected.
Delirium is a clinical emergency which can happen to anyone of any age who is seriously unwell. Despite its significant impact, delirium is often overlooked, and they are still many unanswered questions about how best to prevent, treat, and support those affected.
This is a unique opportunity for people with lived experience — including patients, carers, and health and social care professionals — to shape the direction of research. Your insights will help ensure that future studies focus on what really matters to those affected by delirium.
Who can take part?
We’re inviting UK residents aged 18+ who:
People who have experienced delirium as well as people who are at risk of, or worried about experiencing delirium in the future
People who have cared for a family member or friend with delirium, or are close to someone who is at risk, or worried about experiencing delirium
Health and social care professionals who have cared for someone who has experienced delirium, or who care for individuals who are at risk, or are worried about experiencing delirium
What does the survey involve?
It takes around 15 minutes and asks you to share up to five questions you think researchers should explore. You can reflect on your experience before, during, and after delirium — and choose how much you want to share.
At the end, you can opt to:
Stay involved in the next stage of the project
Receive updates on what we discover
All responses are confidential and handled in line with the General Data Protection Regulation.
Take part now
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/wiph/centres/centre-for-psychiatry-and-mental-health/james-lind-alliance-survey-/
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/wiph/centres/centre-for-psychiatry-and-mental-health/james-lind-alliance-survey-/
Scan the QR code or click the link to the📱 survey to take part and share with your networks
Survey open until early 2026 — but we encourage responses as soon as possible