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Table 1 Confusion assessment method questions and source of information

From: Prevention of delirium (POD) for older people in hospital: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial

Question

Source of information

1. Acute onset and fluctuating course

Ward staff or relative/carer who knows the patient’s baseline mental status and has observed the patient over time

Medical/nursing notes, including the baseline Abbreviated Mental Test Score

2. Inattention

Informal general conversation

Formal cognitive testing: Abbreviated Mental Test Score [46], months of the year backwards test [47]

3. Disorganised thinking

Informal general conversation

Formal cognitive testing: Abbreviated Mental Test Score [46], months of the year backwards test [47]

4. Altered level of consciousness

Ward staff

Informal general conversation

Observation

  1. Confusion Assessment Method. © 1988, 2003, Hospital Elder Life Program. Used with permission