Fast, Systematic, and Continuous Delirium Assessment in Hospitalized Patients: The Nursing Delirium Screening Scale
- 作者：Gaudreau ; Jean-David ; Gagnon ; Pierre ; Harel ; Fran脙脙ois ; Tremblay ; Annie ; Roy ; Marc-Andr脙脙
- 关键词：Delirium ; screening ; monitoring ; rating scales ; cancer
- 刊名：Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
- 出版年：2005
- 期刊代码：166_08853924
- 类别：med
- 出版时间：April, 2005
- 卷：29
- 期：4
- 页码：368-375
- 文件大小：115 K
摘要
Because no rigorously validated, simple yet accurate continuous delirium assessment instrument exists, we developed the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC). The Nu-DESC is an observational five-item scale that can be completed quickly. To test the validity of the Nu-DESC, 146 consecutive hospitalized patients from a prospective cohort study were continuously assessed for delirium symptoms by bedside nurses using the Nu-DESC. Psychometric properties of Nu-DESC screening were established using 59 blinded Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) ratings made by research nurses and psychiatrists. DSM-IV criteria and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) were rated along with CAM assessments. Analysis of these data showed that the Nu-DESC is psychometrically valid and has a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7%and 86.8%, respectively. These values are comparable to those of the MDAS, a longer instrument. Nu-DESC and DSM-IV sensitivities were similar. The Nu-DESC appears to be well-suited for widespread clinical use in busy oncology inpatient settings and shows promise as a research instrument.