How can we detect delirium easier among oncologic patients in the Emergency Department?

AİM: The study was planned to assess delirium for the oncologic patients admitted to ED with the complaint of altered level of consciousness, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria, research for influencing etiologic factors and comparison of the brief Confusion Rating Method (bCAM), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and New Delirium Rating Scale (NDRS), which are considered as delirium screening tests.
Methods: The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scales (RASS) calculated for all patients before applying bCAM. The patients with the RASS score between -3 and +4 had been evaluated with bCAM. Delirium was diagnosed when the third or fourth characteristic was positive as well as the first two. The MMSE and NDRS scores of all patients and the duration of three tests were calculated.
Results: The MMSE and NDRS scores were 13,46±3,78 (7-20) and 21,42±3,28 (11-26) in the patients who were in delirium, respectively. Harmony between bCAM and MMSE are also statistically significant (Eta=0,70). Application period of bCAM was the shortest as 46,92±6,16 (30-60) sec.
Conclusion: bCAM was applied in the shortest period of time. This result is very useful for the EDs which are racing against time in the world.