Diagnostic Performance of Delirium Assessment Tools in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Performance and validation of two ICU delirium assessment and severity tools; a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The clinical statistical performance of the Confusion Assessment Method Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU, including CAM-ICU-7) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) have rarely been studied. Additionally, delirium severity is often not measured due to a lack of validation of delirium assessment tools.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to determine the statistical performance of both delirium assessment tools in daily practice, and the correlation with the gold standard Delirium Rating Scale (DRS)-R98, for delirium severity.

RESEARCH METHOD

CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC, performed by nurses were compared with the DRS-R98 assessed by delirium experts, twice weekly. Within a time-window of one hour all assessments were independently performed.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study performed between October and December 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of both tools was determined. The correlation between DRS-R98 and CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC was used for validation of delirium severity.

RESULTS

In total, 104 CAM-ICU-7 and 105 ICDSC assessments in 86 patients were compared with the DRS-R98. For the CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC, respectively, the sensitivity was 90% and 95%, the specificity was 92.4% and 92.3%. The positive predictive value was 0.76 and 0.80, and negative predictive value was 0.77 and 0.97. Correlation of the CAM-ICU-7 score and ICDSC score with the DRS-R98 score was 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.81) and 0.70 (95%CI 0.59-0.79; both p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC demonstrated good statistical performance and correlated well with the delirium severity tool DRS-R98.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses can either use the CAM-ICU(-7) or the ICDSC in their practice, both are accurate in delirium diagnosis. Total CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC score reflects delirium severity well; the higher the score, the more severe the delirium. This enables nurses to gauge the impact of their interventions and enhance the well-being of patients experiencing delirium by minimizing distressing occurrences.

Prevalence of post-stroke delirium in acute settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although post-stroke delirium is a frequent complication in acute settings and has significant long-lasting implications for patients, the prevalence of post-stroke delirium diagnosed according to gold-standard criteria remains uncertain. This highlights the importance of updating the current evidence.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to provide a precise estimation of the prevalence of delirium in acute post-stroke settings and to explore potential differences in the reported prevalence according to the characteristics of the study and stroke survivors.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Post-stroke survivors with delirium in acute settings.

DATA SOURCES

Five English and two Chinese language databases from inception to June 2023, and the reference lists of published reviews.

METHODS

Studies reporting the prevalence of post-stroke delirium according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria with the description of assessment method in the absence of interventions for delirium were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened searched records and extracted data from eligible studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to evaluate the prevalence of post-stroke delirium, and predefined subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and mixed-effects meta-regression were conducted to explore the contribution of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine eligible studies involving 8839 survivors were included. In acute settings, the overall weighted prevalence of post-stroke delirium was 25 % (95 % CI, 20-30; I2, 95 %). Subgroup analyses revealed age-dependent variations in delirium prevalence, with rates of 20 %, 25 %, and 34 % for ages 60-64, 65-74, and 75-79, respectively. Delirium prevalence varied by assessment duration (7 days: 31 %, >7 days: 24 %, <7 days: 20 %). Initial screening significantly reduced reported prevalence to 15 %, compared with 30 % when no initial screening was conducted. Delirium prevalence was lower when nurses were involved in assessments (13 % vs. 29 %). No significant effects were detected for economic status, publication year, female percentage, onset-to-admission time, stroke type, and assessment frequency. Meta-regression analysis revealed that higher delirium prevalence was associated with increased survivors' age (β = 0.051; 95 % CI, -0.0002 to 0.103; P = 0.05; R2 = 13.36 %).

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of post-stroke delirium was observed in acute settings. Nurses are required to integrate and coordinate the prevention, early detection, and management of delirium following stroke into their nursing practice, particularly for older stroke survivors. The findings necessitate the need for incorporating specialized training within nursing education to identify and manage the delirium effectively and accurately. This reinforces the pivotal role of nurses in the early detection and prevention of delirium within the acute stroke care continuum.

REGISTRATION

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022352097).

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Evidence suggests 25 % prevalence of post-stroke delirium in acute settings, with higher rates in older patients, emphasizing the need for prevention, early detection, and management in nursing practice.

Acute encephalopathy in the ICU: a practical approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute encephalopathy (AE) - which frequently develops in critically ill patients with and without primary brain injury - is defined as an acute process that evolves rapidly and leads to changes in baseline cognitive status, ranging from delirium to coma. The diagnosis, monitoring, and management of AE is challenging. Here, we discuss advances in definitions, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic options, and implications to outcomes of the clinical spectrum of AE in ICU patients without primary brain injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

Understanding and definitions of delirium and coma have evolved. Delirium is a neurocognitive disorder involving impairment of attention and cognition, usually fluctuating, and developing over hours to days. Coma is a state of unresponsiveness, with absence of command following, intelligible speech, or visual pursuit, with no imaging or neurophysiological evidence of cognitive motor dissociation. The CAM-ICU(-7) and the ICDSC are validated, guideline-recommended tools for clinical delirium assessment, with identification of clinical subtypes and stratification of severity. In comatose patients, the roles of continuous EEG monitoring and neuroimaging have grown for the early detection of secondary brain injury and treatment of reversible causes.

SUMMARY

Evidence-based pharmacologic treatments for delirium are limited. Dexmedetomidine is effective for mechanically ventilated patients with delirium, while haloperidol has minimal effect of delirium but may have other benefits. Specific treatments for coma in nonprimary brain injury are still lacking.

Role of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring to Predict Postoperative Delirium in Cardiovascular Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative delirium (POD) can occur in up to 50% of older patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, resulting in hospitalization and significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine whether intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) modalities can be used to predict delirium in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

DESIGN

Adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Delirium was assessed multiple times using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC). Patients with an ICDSC score ≥4 were considered to have POD. Significant IONM changes were evaluated based on a visual review of electroencephalography (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials data and documentation of significant changes during surgery.

SETTING

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 18 years old and older undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM monitoring.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 578 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery with IONM, 126 had POD (21.8%). Significant IONM changes were noted in 134 patients, of whom 49 patients had delirium (36.6%). In contrast, 444 patients had no IONM changes during surgery, of whom 77 (17.3%) patients had POD. Upon multivariate analysis, IONM changes were associated with POD (odds ratio 2.12; 95% CI 1.31-3.44; p < 0.001). Additionally, baseline EEG abnormalities were associated with POD (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Significant IONM changes are associated with an increased risk of POD in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. These findings offer a basis for future research and analysis of EEG and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring to predict, detect, and prevent POD.

Monitoring delirium in the intensive care unit: Diagnostic accuracy of the CAM-ICU tool when performed by certified nursing assistants - A prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Monitoring delirium in critically ill patients is recognized as a major challenge. Although involving certified nursing assistants could be a valuable help in this field, such strategy has never been formally investigated.

OBJECTIVES

Following theoretical training, we conducted a prospective multicenter study assessing the diagnostic accuracy of a CAM-ICU delirium screening strategy performed by CNAs in clinical settings, compared to parallel blinded evaluations conducted by nurses and physicians.

METHODS

From October 2020 to June 2022, adult intensive care patients admitted in three French University teaching hospitals with Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale ≥-2 were independently assessed for delirium by the three members of the care team (clinical nursing assistant, nurse and physician) using CAM-ICU in a random order. Physician's assessment served as the reference standard for comparisons.

RESULTS

We analyzed results from 268 triplets of CAM-ICU assessments performed sequentially on 203 patients. Prevalence of delirium was 22%. Compared to physician's assessments, clinical nursing assistants demonstrated a sensitivity (Se) of 88% CI95% [80-96] and a specificity (Sp) of 95% [92-98] in detecting delirium. There was no significant difference in the performance of clinical nursing assistants and nurses (Se = 90 % [82-97] p = 0.77, Sp = 98 % [95-100] p = 0.19). We observed high agreement between results obtained by physicians and clinical nursing assistants (ĸ = 0.82) and clinical nursing assistants performance remained consistent in the subgroups at higher risk of delirium.

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of the CAM-ICU by clinical nursing assistants is feasible and should be seen as an opportunity to increase routine monitoring of delirium in intensive care patients.

IMPLICATION FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Delirium is a severe and underestimated complication of intensive care unit stay. This study results demonstrate the great performance of trained clinical nursing assistants in detecting delirium using the CAM-ICU. Further research is needed to define the most effective role for clinical nursing assistants in the routine management of delirium in intensive care patients.

The use of checklists in the intensive care unit: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite the extensive volume of research published on checklists in the intensive care unit (ICU), no review has been published on the broader role of checklists within the intensive care unit, their implementation and validation, and the recommended clinical context for their use. Accordingly, a scoping review was necessary to map the current literature and to guide future research on intensive care checklists. This review focuses on what checklists are currently used, how they are used, process of checklist development and implementation, and outcomes associated with checklist use.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted, followed by a grey literature search. The abstracts of the identified studies were screened. Full texts of relevant articles were reviewed, and the references of included studies were subsequently screened for additional relevant articles. Details of the study characteristics, study design, checklist intervention, and outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 2046 studies, of which 167 were selected for further analysis. Checklists identified in these studies were categorised into the following types: rounding checklists; delirium screening checklists; transfer and handover checklists; central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention checklists; airway management checklists; and other. Of 72 significant clinical outcomes reported, 65 were positive, five were negative, and two were mixed. Of 122 significant process of care outcomes reported, 114 were positive and eight were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Checklists are commonly used in the intensive care unit and appear in many clinical guidelines. Delirium screening checklists and rounding checklists are well implemented and validated in the literature. Clinical and process of care outcomes associated with checklist use are predominantly positive. Future research on checklists in the intensive care unit should focus on establishing clinical guidelines for checklist types and processes for ongoing modification and improvements using post-intervention data.

Risk factors and consequences of post-esophagectomy delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a state of mental and neurocognitive impairment characterized by disorientation and fluctuating levels of consciousness. POD in the context of esophageal surgery may herald serious and potentially life-threatening post-operative complications, or conversely be a symptom of severe underlying pathophysiologic disturbances. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore risk factors associated with the development of POD and assess its impact on post-operative outcomes. A systematic literature search of the MedLine, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases and the clinicaltrials.gov registry was undertaken. A random-effects model was used for data synthesis with pooled outcomes expressed as Odds Ratios (OR), or standardized mean differences (WMD) with corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals. Seven studies incorporating 2449 patients (556 with POD and 1893 without POD) were identified. Patients experiencing POD were older (WMD 0.29 ± 0.13 years, P < 0.001), with higher Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI; WMD 0.31 ± 0.23, P = 0.007) and were significantly more likely to be smokers (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.77, P = 0.01). Additionally, POD was associated with blood transfusions (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.56-2.77, P < 0.001), and a significantly increased likelihood to develop anastomotic leak (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.25-3.29, P = 0.004). Finally, POD was associated with increased mortality (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.24-5.93, P = 0.01) and longer hospital stay (WMD 0.4 ± 0.24, P = 0.001). These findings highlight the clinical relevance and possible economic impact of POD after esophagectomy for malignant disease and emphasize the need of developing effective preventive strategies.

Recognizing Intensive Care Unit Delirium: Are Critical Care Nurses Ready?

BACKGROUND

Delirium remains significantly undetected in the intensive care unit (ICU). Little is known regarding the level of delirium care knowledge among critical care nurses in Taiwan.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the level of knowledge about delirium care among critical care nurses using a multiple-choice question quiz.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional approach was used, and data were collected using a web-based survey. The demographic characteristics including age, years worked as critical care nurse, gender, advanced ICU training, educational level, and type of ICU, along with a delirium care knowledge quiz, were collected. The quiz consisted of 16 items measuring (a) symptoms, types, and outcomes; (b) high-risk groups; (c) predisposing and precipitating factors; and (d) assessment and detection of delirium. Data were collected between October 6 and November 16, 2020.

RESULTS

In total, 324 critical care nurses completed the survey. The rate of correct response on the delirium care quiz for each domain was measured: (a) symptoms, types, and outcomes: 67.1%; (b) high-risk groups: 76.2%; (c) predisposing and precipitating factors: 78.9%; and (d) assessment and detection: 41.5%. The item with the lowest correct response rate was related to the interpretation of delirium assessments.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study suggest that future studies and education should focus on the use and interpretation of the assessment using a valid delirium assessment tool to improve the ability of critical care nurses to detect delirium in ICU settings.

Delirium

Delirium is an acute and fluctuating disorder characterized by a disturbance in attention and cognition. Delirium is underdiagnosed by clinicians, but there are excellent diagnostic tools using history and physical examination that can assist clinicians in making the diagnosis in multiple settings (ie, CAM, CAM-ICU, 3D-CAM, bCAM, 4AT, and UB-CAM). Delirium is caused by underlying medical conditions and is often multifactorial, so a full diagnosis requires a careful assessment for a wide range of underlying conditions. Physical examination has not been well studied in this regard, but still can provide useful clues to the clinician.

Patient Factors That Influence Reliable Delirium Assessments in a Medical Intensive Care Unit During the Routine Clinical Practice

This study aimed to determine patient and therapeutic characteristics of patients in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) that contribute to inconsistent results of delirium assessments performed during routine clinical practice. Therefore, electronic health records were reviewed and compared with secondary data collected from the same medical ICU patients who were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method in the ICU (CAM-ICU). Of 5,241 cases involving 762 patients, 827 (15.78%) cases showed disagreement between assessments. Continuous renal replacement therapy, physical restraint use, and altered mental status were factors that increased the likelihood of inconsistencies between assessments. A significant positive correlation was found between the CAM-ICU disagreement rate and the total number of assessments per month. To maximize the reliability of delirium assessments, individual-targeted approaches considering the patient's level of consciousness and type of treatment implemented are required, along with ensuring a stable, and regulated working environment and customized educational programs.

Postoperative delirium screening tools for post-anaesthetic adult patients in non-intensive care units: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify the most accurate postoperative delirium screening tools for detecting postoperative delirium among patients who underwent general anaesthesia surgery in general wards.

BACKGROUND

The lack of detection of postoperative delirium can negatively affect the patient's condition, along with their postoperative treatment and rehabilitation, and it can prolong their hospitalisation, persists cognitive dysfunction and increases mortality. Screening for postoperative delirium in hospitalised patients as nursing assessment is routine clinical practice for early detection.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, KoreaMed and Cochrane electronic databases were searched using the key words delirium, postoperative, assessment or screening, and adult for articles published up to April 2020, with no limit on the year of publishing. Only prospective cohort studies reporting sensitivity and specificity values were included. We followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews and the PRISMA checklist. The Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used for data extraction and quality assessment, while a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis model was used for pooling and comparing diagnostic accuracy and providing a summary of evidence.

RESULTS

Six delirium assessment tools were evaluated from nine papers including 3088 patients. Due to the limited number of papers, the meta-analysis included the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and its variants, Delirium Detection Score (DDS) and Nurses' Delirium Screening Checklist (NuDESC). Overall, NuDESC demonstrated higher sensitivity than CAM or DDS, while all showed high specificity (0.90 or greater).

CONCLUSION

This review suggested that NuDESC can be employed as an accurate screening tool with high specificity for assessing postoperative delirium during routine checkups. However, it is necessary to consider suitable cut-off values, which is the reference point, in accordance with the clinical setting and the patients' condition.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

NuDESC reported the best evidence of diagnostic accuracy, and we recommend clinical nurses to employ this easy-to-use and validated tool for daily screening of postoperative delirium in general wards to facilitate its early detection and the accurate estimation of its prevalence.

Effects of a simulation-based education programme on delirium care for critical care nurses: A randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of a simulation-based education programme on critical care nurses' knowledge, confidence, competence and clinical performance in providing delirium care.

DESIGN

Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Registered nurses who work in intensive care units were recruited from a university-affiliated acute major metropolitan teaching hospital. The intervention group received: (i) five online-learning delirium care videos, (ii) one face-to-face delirium care education session and (iii) a simulation-based education programme with a role-play scenario-based initiative and an objective structured clinical examination. The control group received only online videos which were the same as those provided to the intervention group. Delirium care knowledge, confidence, competence, and clinical performance as outcomes were collected at: baseline, immediately after intervention, and within 6 weeks post-intervention to test whether there were any changes and if they were sustained over time. Data were collected between 2 October and 29 December 2020. The repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine for changes in delirium care knowledge, confidence, and competence within groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-two critical care nurses participated with 36 each allocated to the intervention group and control group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in outcome variables at 6 weeks post-intervention. In the intervention group, significant within-group changes were observed in terms of delirium care knowledge, confidence, and competence over time. By contrast, no significant changes were observed in outcome measures over time in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The simulation-based education programme is an effective and feasible strategy to improve delirium care by enhancing the knowledge, confidence, competence and clinical performance of critical care nurses.

IMPACT

Our findings provide evidence regarding the development and implementation of a simulation-based education programme in hospitals for health professional education in Taiwan.

The association of post-operative delirium with patient-reported outcomes and mortality after lung transplantation

Post-operative delirium after lung transplantation is common. Its associations with health-related quality of life (HRQL), depression, and mortality remains unknown. In 236 lung transplant recipients, HRQL and depressive symptoms were assessed as part of a structured survey battery before and after transplantation. Surveys included the Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS) and Short Form 12 (SF12). Delirium was assessed throughout the post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) stay with Confusion Assessment Method for ICU. Delirium and mortality data were extracted from electronic medical records. We examined associations between delirium and changes in depressive symptoms and HRQL using linear mixed effects models and association between delirium and mortality with Cox-proportional hazard models. Post-operative delirium occurred in 34 participants (14%). Delirium was associated with attenuated improvements in SF12-PCS (difference ₋4.0; 95%CI: -7.4, -0.7) but not SF12-MCS (difference 2.2; 95%CI: -0.7,5.7) or GDS (difference ₋0.4; 95%CI: -1.5,0.7). Thirty-two participants died during the study period. Delirium was associated with increased adjusted hazard risk of mortality (HR 17.9, 95%CI: 4.4,72.5). Delirium after lung transplantation identifies a group at increased risk for poorer HRQL and death within the first post-operative year. Further studies should investigate potential causal links between delirium, and poorer HRQL and mortality risk after lung transplantation.

Delirium care knowledge in critical care nurses: A multiple-choice question-based quiz

BACKGROUND

Lack of evidence regarding whether a useful examination instrument such as an multiple choice question (MCQ) quiz is reliable for assessing delirium care knowledge.

AIM

To develop and psychometrically test a MCQ-based quiz for assessing the delirium care knowledge in critical care nurses.

DESIGN

Instrument development and psychometric evaluation study.

METHODS

The development and validation process consisted of two phases. The first Phase focused on the quiz development, which was achieved through the following steps: (a) generation of an initial 20-item pool; (b) assessment of content validity; (c) assessment of face validity; (d) conduction of a pilot test, involving the collection of data from 217 critical care nurses through an online survey; and (e) item analysis and item elimination according to item difficulty and discrimination indices. The MCQ quiz was finalized through the development process. The second phase emphasized quiz validation through estimation of the internal consistency, split-half and test-retest reliability, and construct validity using parallel analysis with exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

RESULTS

A final 16-item MCQ quiz was emerged from the item analysis. The Kuder-Richardson formula 20 coefficient for the overall quiz indicated good internal consistency (0.85), and the intraclass correlation coefficient with a 30-day interval also indicated that the questionnaire had satisfactory stability (0.97). EFA confirmed that the quiz had appropriate construct validity, and four factors could explain 60.87% of the total variance.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the MCQ, and single best answer quiz for assessing delirium care knowledge was developed, and its reliability and validity for this purpose were demonstrated.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study introduced an evidence-based quiz designed for future use in delirium care research and education that has significant implications for MCQ-based knowledge assessment in clinical practice.

Delirium screening for patients in the intensive care unit: A prospective validation study of the iCAM-ICU by nurse researchers and bedside nurses in routine practice

BACKGROUND

Daily delirium assessment using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit was recommended for patients in the intensive care unit, yet implementation may be difficult because of lack of simple and standardized data collection schemes which may result in low sensitivities when used by bedside nurses.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to validate the diagnostic accuracy of the intelligent Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (iCAM-ICU) used by both nurse investigators and bedside nurses in Chinese patients in the intensive care unit.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

A university affiliated tertiary hospital in China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 373 hospitalized patients (181 in phase I and 192 in phase II) in the intensive care units met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. There were two nursing researchers (phase I) and 24 bedside nurses (phase II) used the iCAM-ICU to assess delirium among patients.

METHODS

Two prospective cohort studies were conducted to validate the diagnostic accuracy of iCAM-ICU on delirium screening when it was used by nurse investigators and bedside nurses in the intensive care unit. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values along with the likelihood ratios were determined to estimate the performance of the iCAM-ICU in patients in the intensive care setting. The Kappa consistency test was examined to determine the inter-rater consistency. Subgroup analysis in terms of different age, level of education, severity of illness and cognitive status were also conducted to evaluate potential variations of the iCAM-ICU performance in different patient groups.

RESULTS

A total of 373 patients were included in the validation studies. In comparing with the gold standard, the sensitivities of the iCAM-ICU demonstrated by the two nurse investigators were 95.2 % and 93.7%, while the specificities of the iCAM-ICU were 93.3% and 93.2%. The Kappa consistency between two nurse investigators was 0.96. The sensitivity and specificity of the iCAM-ICU demonstrated by bedside nurses in intensive care patients were 86.7% and 97.7%, respectively. Subgroup analysis also revealed that the sensitivities and specificities in those different subgroups were acceptable, with all statistics being above 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

The iCAM-ICU, an information technology enabled delirium screening tool, showed highly acceptable accuracy in detecting delirium in the intensive care units. It can assist bedside nurses to detect delirium reliably and identify potential patients with delirium accurately.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-OCH-13003050.