Comparison of the ‘4-item assessment test’ and ‘nursing delirium screening scale’ delirium screening tools on non-intensive care unit wards: A prospective mixed-method approach

CONCLUSION The observational NuDESC showed a higher completion rate than the bedside 4AT, although overall testing rates were low. The necessary time needed to conduct the screening, the negative reactions by patients, insufficient team communication and a lack of initiation of any therapy were identified as major barriers in the implementation of the guideline-compliant screening protocol. For all staff, further education and awareness of the importance of POD diagnosis and treatment might improve the screening rates. The NuDesc received better results concerning acceptance, practicability and introduction into daily work routine, leading to higher screening rates compared with the 4AT. The latter instrument, which was intended to be used rather selectively or when POD is suspected, might therefore not be suitable for guideline-compliant regular and repeated screening for POD.
Source: European Journal of Anaesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Perioperative medicine Source Type: research