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Arnold E, Finucane AM, Taylor S, Spiller JA, O’Rourke S, Spenceley J, Carduff E, Tieges Z, MacLullich AMJ. The 4AT, a rapid delirium detection tool for use in hospice inpatient units: Findings from a validation study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:535-545. [PMID: 38767241 PMCID: PMC11170929 DOI: 10.1177/02692163241242648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome with adverse outcomes, which is common but often undiagnosed in terminally ill people. The 4 'A's test or 4AT (www.the4AT.com), a brief delirium detection tool, is widely used in general settings, but validation studies in terminally ill people are lacking. AIM To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 4AT in detecting delirium in terminally ill people, who are hospice inpatients. DESIGN A diagnostic test accuracy study in which participants underwent the 4AT and a reference standard based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The reference standard was informed by Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 and tests assessing arousal and attention. Assessments were conducted in random order by pairs of independent raters, blinded to the results of the other assessment. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Two hospice inpatient units in Scotland, UK. Participants were 148 hospice inpatients aged ⩾18 years. RESULTS A total of 137 participants completed both assessments. Three participants had an indeterminate reference standard diagnosis and were excluded, yielding a final sample of 134. Mean age was 70.3 (SD = 10.6) years. About 33% (44/134) had reference standard delirium. The 4AT had a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 79%-98%) and a specificity of 94% (95% CI 90%-99%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI 0.94-1). CONCLUSION The results of this validation study support use of the 4AT as a delirium detection tool in hospice inpatients, and add to the literature evaluating methods of delirium detection in palliative care settings. TRIAL REGISTRY ISCRTN 97417474.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne M Finucane
- Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zoë Tieges
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Computing, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK
| | - Alasdair MJ MacLullich
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Penfold RS, Squires C, Angus A, Shenkin SD, Ibitoye T, Tieges Z, Neufeld KJ, Avelino-Silva TJ, Davis D, Anand A, Duckworth AD, Guthrie B, MacLullich AMJ. Delirium detection tools show varying completion rates and positive score rates when used at scale in routine practice in general hospital settings: A systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1508-1524. [PMID: 38241503 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple short delirium detection tools have been validated in research studies and implemented in routine care, but there has been little study of these tools in real-world conditions. This systematic review synthesized literature reporting completion rates and/or delirium positive score rates of detection tools in large clinical populations in general hospital settings. METHODS PROSPERO (CRD42022385166). Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and gray literature were searched from 1980 to December 31, 2022. Included studies or audit reports used a validated delirium detection tool performed directly with the patient as part of routine care in large clinical populations (n ≥ 1000) within a general acute hospital setting. Narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS Twenty-two research studies and four audit reports were included. Tools used alone or in combination were the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), 4 'A's Test (4AT), Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS), Brief CAM (bCAM), Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC), and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Populations and settings varied and tools were used at different stages and frequencies in the patient journey, including on admission only; inpatient, daily or more frequently; on admission and as inpatient; inpatient post-operatively. Tool completion rates ranged from 19% to 100%. Admission positive score rates ranged from: CAM 8%-51%; 4AT 13%-20%. Inpatient positive score rates ranged from: CAM 2%-20%, DOSS 6%-42%, and NuDESC 5-13%. Postoperative positive score rates were 21% and 28% (4AT). All but two studies had moderate-high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review of delirium detection tool implementation in large acute patient populations found clinically important variability in tool completion rates, and in delirium positive score rates relative to expected delirium prevalence. This study highlights a need for greater reporting and analysis of relevant healthcare systems data. This is vital to advance understanding of effective delirium detection in routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose S Penfold
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health and Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Susan D Shenkin
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health and Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Temi Ibitoye
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zoë Tieges
- School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karin J Neufeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Davis
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, UCL, London, UK
| | - Atul Anand
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Bruce Guthrie
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alasdair M J MacLullich
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Xiong B, Bailey DX, Prudon P, Pascoe EM, Gray LC, Graham F, Henderson A, Martin-Khan M. Identification and information management of cognitive impairment of patients in acute care hospitals: An integrative review. Int J Nurs Sci 2024; 11:120-132. [PMID: 38352291 PMCID: PMC10859579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recognition of the cognitive status of patients is important so that care can be tailored accordingly. The objective of this integrative review was to report on the current practices that acute care hospitals use to identify people with cognitive impairment and how information about cognition is managed within the healthcare record as well as the approaches required and recommended by policies. Methods Following Whittemore & Knafl's five-step method, we systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus databases and various grey literature sources. Articles relevant to the programs that have been implemented in acute care hospitals regarding the identification of cognitive impairment and management of cognition information were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and AACODS (Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance) Checklist were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Thematic analysis was used to present and synthesise results. This review was pre-registered on PROSPERO ( CRD42022343577). Results Twenty-two primary studies and ten government/industry publications were included in the analysis. Findings included gaps between practice and policy. Although identification of cognitive impairment, transparency of cognition information, and interaction with patients, families, and carers (if appropriate) about this condition were highly valued at a policy level, sometimes in practice, cognitive assessments were informal, patient cognition information was not recorded, and interactions with patients, families, and carers were lacking. Discussion By incorporating cognitive assessment, developing an integrated information management system using information technology, establishing relevant laws and regulations, providing education and training, and adopting a national approach, significant improvements can be made in the care provided to individuals with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Xiong
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daniel X. Bailey
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Prudon
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elaine M. Pascoe
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Leonard C. Gray
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Frederick Graham
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Dementia and Delirium, Division of Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amanda Henderson
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Nursing Practice Development Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia
- Griffith Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Melinda Martin-Khan
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada
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Anand A, Cheng M, Ibitoye T, Maclullich AMJ, Vardy ERLC. Positive scores on the 4AT delirium assessment tool at hospital admission are linked to mortality, length of stay and home time: two-centre study of 82,770 emergency admissions. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6548791. [PMID: 35292792 PMCID: PMC8923813 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies investigating outcomes of delirium using large-scale routine data are rare. We performed a two-centre study using the 4 'A's Test (4AT) delirium detection tool to analyse relationships between delirium and 30-day mortality, length of stay and home time (days at home in the year following admission). METHODS The 4AT was performed as part of usual care. Data from emergency admissions in patients ≥65 years in Lothian, UK (n = 43,946) and Salford, UK (n = 38,824) over a period of $\sim$3 years were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS 4AT completion rates were 77% in Lothian and 49% in Salford. 4AT scores indicating delirium (≥4/12) were present in 18% of patients in Lothian, and 25% of patients in Salford. Thirty-day mortality with 4AT ≥4 was 5.5-fold greater than the 4AT 0/12 group in Lothian (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99-6.13) and 3.4-fold greater in Salford (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 2.98-3.87). Length of stay was more than double in patients with 4AT scores of 1-3/12 (indicating cognitive impairment) or ≥ 4/12 compared with 4AT 0/12. Median home time at 1 year was reduced by 112 days (Lothian) and 61 days (Salford) in the 4AT ≥4 group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Scores on the 4AT used at scale in practice are strongly linked with 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and home time. The findings highlight the need for better understanding of why delirium is linked with poor outcomes and also the need to improve delirium detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Anand
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael Cheng
- Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Temi Ibitoye
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alasdair M J Maclullich
- Edinburgh Delirium Research Group, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Address correspondence to: Alasdair MacLullich, Professor of Geriatric Medicine, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Room S1642, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. Tel: 0131 650 1000. Email ; Emma Vardy, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, UK. Tel: 0161 789 7373.
| | - Emma R L C Vardy
- Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Address correspondence to: Alasdair MacLullich, Professor of Geriatric Medicine, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Room S1642, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. Tel: 0131 650 1000. Email ; Emma Vardy, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine, Salford Care Organisation, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, UK. Tel: 0161 789 7373.
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