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Assessing attentiveness in older hospital patients: global assessment versus tests of attention
Author(s)Shaun T O'Keeffe, Margot A Gosney
Journal titleJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, vol 45, no 4, April 1997
Pagespp 470-473
KeywordsCognitive processes ; Confusion ; In-patients ; Doctors ; Evaluation ; United States of America.
AnnotationImpairment of attentiveness is an important symptom of delirium, and is also regarded as a distinguishing feature between delirium and dementia. This study investigated the relationship between bedside tests of attention and a global rating of attentiveness in older hospital patients in an acute geriatric unit, and aimed to identify cut-off points on the tests of attention that might be helpful in the diagnosis of delirium. The tests used in the study were: Digit Span Forwards (DSF), Digit Span Backwards (DSB), Vigilance 'A' Test (VAT), and a timed Digit Cancellation Test (DCT). The study concluded that the overall impression of experienced physicians after a brief conversation with a patient is more valuable guide to attentiveness, and therefore also to the likely presence of delirium, than formal tests of attention.
Accession NumberCPA-970812254 A
ClassmarkDA: EDC: LF7: QT2: 4C: 7T

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