Validation of the Greek Version of the Confusion Assessment Method Diagnostic Algorithm (CAM) and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) and Their Inter-rater Reliablity

Accurate diagnosis for Greek speaking patients suffering from postoperative delirium is limited by the need for a translation of standardized tools that were investigated for their inter-rater reliability/agreement.

Our primary aim is to validate the Greek version of the CAM Diagnostic Algorithm and Nu-DESC in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. Our secondary aim is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of NuDESK in our population.

This study will provide the first official Greek translation of CAM and Nu-DESC, according to the ISPOR guidelines, and the first evaluation of their inter-rater agreement.

Inclusion criteria

• adult patients over 60 years of age
• an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III
• undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery under general anaesthesia
• native speakers of the Greek language
• eligible to leave the post-anaesthesia care unit
• an expected in-hospital stay of at least 24 hours following surgery

Exclusion criteria

• refused to participate or sign the informed consent form
• surgery or anaesthesia within the last 30 day
• any prior or current history involving an affliction of the central nervous system
• severe hearing or visual impairment
• psychiatric disorders
• sa core less than 5 according the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
• a score less than 4 for females and less than 2 for males according to the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (I.A.D.L.)
• alcohol consumption less than 35 units/week
• drug dependence
• previous neuropsychological testing
• haemodynamical instability
• peri-procedural desaturation (one or more events of SpO2<80% for more than 2 minutes)