Fast, Systematic, and Continuous Delirium Assessment in Hospitalized Patients: The Nursing Delirium Screening Scale

Apr 29, 2005Journal of pain and symptom management

Quick and ongoing delirium checks in hospital patients using a nursing screening tool

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Abstract

The Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) demonstrates a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 86.8% for assessing delirium in hospitalized patients.

  • Nu-DESC is a five-item observational scale designed for quick assessment of delirium symptoms.
  • Validation involved 146 hospitalized patients assessed continuously by bedside nurses.
  • Psychometric properties were confirmed using blinded ratings from the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and other established measures.
  • Nu-DESC's sensitivity is comparable to that of the longer Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS).
  • The scale may be suitable for use in busy oncology inpatient settings and could serve as a research tool.

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