Read story C36: We had done what we could (image and text)
Delirium despite good prevention: it is not the family’s failure
Sue brought Doris’s glasses, shared her routines and helped with the agreed care plan. Doris still developed delirium. Sue wonders whether she failed. The team explains that prevention can reduce risk but can’t guarantee that delirium will not happen. The next task is assessment and care, not blaming the patient or family.
Story text
Panel 1. They planned together before hospital.
Panel 2. Despite that care, Doris develops delirium.
Panel 3.
- Sue: I brought everything. Did I miss something?
Panel 4.
- Nurse: Your help mattered. Prevention lowers risk; it cannot guarantee no delirium.
Panel 5. The focus turns to treating the problems and meeting Doris’s needs.
Panel 6.
- Doctor: This is not a test you or your family failed.
Bottom band. Delirium can happen despite careful prevention. Families are not responsible for preventing every episode.