Cognitive impairment can affect us all. People with cognitive impairment may be our patients, our parents, our loved ones, or us.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is providing support aimed at improving our knowledge and care practices, providing better outcomes for patients, health service organisations, staff and loved ones, and reducing the risk of harm in hospitals.

In recognition of cognitive impairment as an important safety and quality issue, the Commission has included specific items in the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (second edition) and has released the Delirium Clinical Care Standard.