Acute confusion assessment instruments: Clinical versus research usability

C. G. Rapp
B. Wakefield
M. Kundrat
J. Mentes
Toni Tripp-Reimer, University of Iowa
Kennith R. Culp, University of Iowa
Paula Mobily, University of Iowa
J. Akins
L. L. Onega

Abstract

Acute confusion (AC), also referred to as delirium (AC/delirium), is a common problem seen by health professionals who work in a variety of care settings. This is an evaluative report on the clinical usability of instruments to assess AC/delirium as a part of nursing practice. Specifically, five instruments [the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Delirium Rating Scale (DRS), Delirium Symptom Inventory (DSI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Neelon/Champagne (NEECHAM) Confusion Scale] are discussed. The work demonstrates how the cooperation of nurses in practice, education, and research can improve both patient and staff outcomes.