Using PDAs to detect cognitive change in the hospitalized elderly patient
Received 22 July 2009; received in revised form 17 October 2009; accepted 20 October 2009. published online 30 November 2009.
Abstract
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) program is designed to prevent delirium and cognitive decline in the hospitalized elderly patient. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) were trialed in collecting assessment data for the HELP program. Data for a mental status assessment (Mini-Mental Status Examination), delirium assessment (Confusion Assessment Method), and a depression screen for 352 patients enrolled over a 4-month period were collected. Participants had a slight but significant increase in cognitive function. PDAs are a useful adjunct to care enabling the staff to monitor the cognitive status of hospitalized elderly patients and track program outcomes.
aDepartment of Nursing, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4595, USA
bHospital Elder Life Program, Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, PA 18503-1798, USA
ABSTRACT