Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Hospitalized Older Patients

Abstract

Abstract. This study develops a screening method for older patients based on nursing procedure to predict complications associated with cognitive impairment during a hospital stay. This multicenter diagnostic cohort study among older hospitalized patients was carried out in eight primary-care hospitals. Following admission of the patients, trained nurses conducted a structured interview and the Mini-Cog as gold standard for cognitive status; complications during the hospital stay were also monitored. In a second step, the structured interview combined with the Mini-Cog revealed whether there was any abnormality in the interview, making it possible to validly and reliably as well as sensitively and specifically identify patients with a pronounced cognitive impairment who may likely suffer from complications during a hospital stay.