International journal of older people nursing
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Int J Older People Nurs · Jun 2011
Clinical TrialPredictive value and validation of the NEECHAM Confusion Scale using DSM-IV criteria for delirium as gold standard.
Delirium is common among older people in hospital and various instruments have been developed for detecting delirium. One of these, the NEECHAM Confusion Scale, is easy for nurses to administrate but needs to be tested further. ⋯ This study adds to the body of knowledge that NEECHAM discriminates for delirium. It is a valid and reliable screening instrument for predicting delirium. The instrument can be used for clinical practice to identify patients who are at risk of contracting delirium and when considering prevention measures.