Diagnostic test accuracy of assessment tools for detecting delirium in patients with acute stroke: commentary of a systematic review

Abstract

Delirium is a common presentation after acute stroke. Post-stroke delirium is related to poor recovery, higher rates of mortality, falls and longer hospital stays. Delirium can lead to challenging behaviour, such as anger, aggression and confusion. Therefore, it is important to promptly identify delirium for early management and to reduce the negative impact on post-stroke recovery and outcomes. An important aspect of identifying delirium depends on the use of efficient, easy to use and validated assessment tools. A wide range of tools are available, although it is not known how accurately they can identify post-stroke delirium. This article critically appraises a systematic review that identified delirium screening tools for patients with acute stroke.