Diagnosing Delirium in Elderly Thai Patients Using the CAM Algorithm
Author Information
Author(s): Wongpakaran Nahathai, Wongpakaran Tinakon, Bookamana Putipong, Pinyopornpanish Manee, Maneeton Benchalak, Lerttrakarnnon Peerasak, Uttawichai Kasem, Jiraniramai Surin
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Hypothesis
How well can family physicians detect delirium in elderly hospitalized Thai patients using the CAM algorithm compared to psychiatrists?
Conclusion
Family physicians can effectively diagnose delirium in elderly hospitalized Thai patients using the CAM algorithm, which is quick and easy to use.
Supporting Evidence
- The CAM algorithm showed a sensitivity of 91.9% and specificity of 100.0%.
- Interrater agreement between family physicians and psychiatrists was good (Cohen's Kappa = 0.91).
- Family physicians spent less time diagnosing than psychiatrists.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a simple test to check if older patients are confused or not, and it works really well.
Methodology
Family physicians were trained to use the Thai version of the CAM algorithm, and their diagnoses were compared to those made by psychiatrists using DSM-IV TR criteria.
Potential Biases
Potential for misdiagnosis due to family physicians' inexperience with cognitive assessments.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with significant hearing or visual impairments, and the family physicians had no prior experience with the patients.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":74.53,"min_age":60,"max_age":93,"number_of_males":39,"education_years":{"mode":4,"min":0,"max":16},"dementia_rate":25.6}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.05
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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