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Published on: February 8, 2019
A Novel Objective Measure for Terminal Delirium: Activity Scores Measured by a Sheet-Type Sensor
Hiroyuki Otani1, Naosuke Yokomichi2, Kengo Imai3
1Department of Palliative and Supportive Care(H.O.), St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume City, Fukuoka 830-8543, Japan; Department of Palliative Care Team and Palliative and Supportive Care(H.O.), National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Mitami-ku, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan.
Context:
Delirium is a significant concern in end-of-life care. Continuous monitoring of agitation levels using objective methods may have advantages over existing measurement scales.
Objectives:
To examine whether an objective measure of activity scores measured using a sheet-type non-wearable sensor (Nemuri SCAN [NSCAN]) was correlated with agitation levels measured using the modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) in terminally ill patients with cancer.
Methods:
We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study in a palliative care unit using the NSCAN to measure activity scores and the RASS to assess agitation levels. RASS scores were prospectively measured by ward nurses blinded to the NSCAN variables. A database was created to pair the RASS scores and activity scores at night on the same day.
Results:
During the observation period, 1209 patients were hospitalized, and 3028 pairs of assessments of 971 patients were analyzed. The NSCAN activity scores significantly increased with increasing RASS scores (Jonckheere-Terpstra test, p < 0.001). The mean values of the activity scores for each RASS score were RASS -5, 28.9; RASS -4, 36.4; RASS -3, 41.7; RASS -2, 57.4; RASS -1, 58.8; RASS 0, 62.6; RASS 1, 79.6; RASS 2, 106.5; and RASS 3, 118.7.
Conclusion:
The NSCAN activity significantly correlated with modified RASS agitation scores. Real-time NSCAN data on agitation may aid timely interventions for optimal symptom control. To improve outcomes for patients suffering from terminal delirium, more research on monitoring tools is warranted.
