Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Informant Assessment of Geriatric Delirium Scale

Abstract

Background and purpose – Delirium is a common complication developing in elderly patients. Therefore, it is important to diagnose delirium earlier. Family caregivers play an active role in early diagnosis of delirium and build a bridge between health professionals and patients. The purpose of this research was to achieve the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Informant Assessment of Geriatric Delirium Scale (I-AGeD). Methods – This is a methodological study. The sample comprised 125 caregivers accepting to participate in the study and offering care to older patients with hip fracture aged ≥60 years. Data were gathered preoperatively and on postoperative days 0, 1 and 2. After achieving the linguistic and content validity of the scale, the known-groups comparison was used to achieve its construct validity. The ROC curve analysis was made to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the scale. Item-total correlations, item analysis based on the difference between the upper 27% and lower 27%, Kuder–Richardson 20 (KR-20) coefficient and parallel forms reliability with the NEECHAM Confusion Scale were adapted to assess discriminant indices of the items in the I-AGeD. Results – The item-total correlation coefficients of the scale ranged from 0.54 to 0.89 and KR-20 coefficient ranged from 0.09 to 0.91 depending on the measurement times. According to the ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of the scale were ≥ 91% and ≥ 96% respectively. The parallel forms reliability analysis showed a highly significant, strong negative relation at each measurement between the I-AGeD and the NEECHAM Confusion Scale. Conclusion – The I-AGeD is valid and reliable to diagnose delirium in older Turkish patients in perioperative processes.