Acute confusion assessment instruments: clinical versus research usability

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Gerontology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute confusion (AC), also known as delirium, is a prevalent clinical issue across diverse healthcare settings.
• Early identification and management of AC/delirium are crucial for patient well-being and healthcare system efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical usability of five key instruments for assessing AC/delirium within nursing practice.
• To explore how interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance patient and staff outcomes in managing AC/delirium.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review and evaluative analysis of five established instruments: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Delirium Rating Scale (DRS), Delirium Symptom Inventory (DSI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Neelon/Champagne (NEECHAM) Confusion Scale.
• Assessment of the instruments' applicability and effectiveness in routine nursing care.

Main Results:

• The study discusses the strengths and limitations of each assessed instrument for AC/delirium detection.
• Findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate assessment tools based on clinical context and nursing workflow.
• The usability of these tools can be enhanced through practical application, education, and research.

Conclusions:

• The clinical usability of instruments like CAM, DRS, DSI, MMSE, and NEECHAM varies, necessitating careful selection for effective AC/delirium assessment in nursing.
• Enhanced collaboration among nurses in practice, education, and research is vital for optimizing patient care and improving outcomes related to AC/delirium.