Assessment Tools for Cognitive Impairment in Critically Ill Patients Post-ICU Transfer: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is a significant concern for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors, impacting long-term outcomes.
• Effective assessment tools are crucial for managing post-ICU cognitive deficits.
• Improved ICU survival rates highlight the need for post-discharge care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) in assessing cognitive impairment in critically ill patients post-ICU discharge.
• To analyze the correlation and consistency between MoCA and TICS-m in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Convenience sampling of 396 ICU patients admitted between January 2021 and November 2022 in China.
• Cognitive status assessed using MoCA and TICS-m scales on hospital discharge day.
• Comparative analysis of scale efficacy, correlation, and consistency (Kappa test).

Main Results:

• MoCA and TICS-m scores showed a significant correlation (r=0.570, p<0.001).
• Incidence of cognitive impairment was similar: 41.4% (MoCA) vs. 44.2% (TICS-m), with no significant difference (p=0.152).
• High agreement between scales (Kappa=0.747), with TICS-m demonstrating good sensitivity (0.884) and specificity (0.871) compared to MoCA.

Conclusions:

• Both MoCA and TICS-m are reliable for assessing cognitive impairment in ICU patients.
• The TICS-m scale's telephone format facilitates effective post-ICU cognitive follow-up.
• TICS-m is recommended for ongoing cognitive assessment of ICU survivors post-discharge.