Analysis of the Impact of a Temporo-spatial Reorientation Tool on the Speed of Improvement of Confusional Syndrome

Confusion syndrome is defined by attentional disorders and disorganization of cognitive functions that are acute and reversible. There are patient-specific predisposing factors and precipitating factors. Elderly people, due to their comorbidities, are more at risk. Confusion syndrome affects approximately 23% of elderly patients in the medical department, 33% in the rehabilitation department and its occurrence is preventable in 30 to 40% of cases. The health expenditure generated by its occurrence was estimated at 182 billion dollars per year by combining the expenditure of 18 European countries in 2011. The occurrence of a delirium increases the duration of hospitalization, increases the risk of falls, loss of autonomy, can lead to an impairment of quality of life at 6 months and is linked to excess mortality.

The gold standard for making the diagnosis of delirium is the use of the DSM-5 criteria, but their use is time-consuming and requires that staff be trained in their use. The 4 "A" test (tool to help identify confusional syndrome) can be used to monitor confusional syndromes; it has the advantage of being able to be taken in less than 3 minutes.

Concerning the management of a confusional syndrome, a non-pharmacological multi-component approach is recommended as first line for its prevention but there is no treatment to date. A tool to help with temporo-spatial reorientation (La Rob'Gazette) has been set up in the Medical Care and Geriatric Rehabilitation (SMRG) departments of the HUS