Partridge, JSL;
Crichton, S;
Biswell, E;
Harari, D;
Martin, FC;
Dhesi, JK;
(2019)
Measuring the distress related to delirium in older surgical patients and their relatives.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
, 34
(7)
pp. 1070-1077.
10.1002/gps.5110.
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Abstract
Objective: Delirium is a common postoperative complication with implications on morbidity and mortality. Less is known about the psychological impact of delirium in patients and relatives. This study aimed to; 1. Quantitatively describe distress related to postoperative delirium in older surgical patients and their relatives using the distress thermometer 2. Examine the association between degree of distress and features of delirium on the Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) 3. Examine the association between recall of delirium and features of delirium on the Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) Methods: This prospective study recruited postoperative patients and their relatives following delirium. The distress thermometer was used to examine the degree of distress pertaining to delirium and was conducted during the hospitalisation on resolution of delirium and then at 12 month follow up. Associations between delirium related distress in patient and relative participants and severity and features of delirium ( Delirium Rating Scale) were examined. Results: 102 patients and 49 relatives were recruited. Median scores on the distress thermometer in patients who recalled delirium were 8/10. Relatives also showed distress (median distress thermometer score 8/10). Associations were observed between severity of and phenotypic features of delirium (delusions, labile affect, agitation). Distress persisted at 12 months in patients and relatives. Conclusion: Distress related to postoperative delirium can be measured using a distress thermometer. Alongside approaches to reduce delirium incidence, interventions to minimise distress from postoperative delirium should be sought. Such interventions should be developed through robust research and if effective administered to patients, relatives or carers.
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