The quick confusion scale in the ED: comparison with the mini-mental state examination

The Quick Confusion Scale (QCS) is a 6-item battery of questions focusing on orientation, memory, and concentration weighted to yield a top score of 15. Analysis of the QCS compared with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is needed to determine if the QCS is a valid marker of cognitive mental status. The MMSE and the QCS were administered to a convenience sample of 205 patients presenting to the emergency department. Exclusions included head trauma, multisystem trauma, Glasgow Coma Scale less than 15, non-English speaking, education level less than 8 years, contact or droplet isolation, acute illness, or incomplete data for reasons such as restricted patient access. Mean scores were 24.8(SD = 4.7; range 2-30) on the MMSE and 11.89 (SD = 3.5; range 0-15) on the QCS. QCS scores were significantly correlated (r = .783) with MMSE scores. The QCS appears comparable with the MMSE and is quicker to administer.