A multifactorial risk model should be applied to identify patients at an increased risk of developing delirium following elective cardiac surgery. In these patients, if possible, preventative interventions can be taken and early recognition of delirium can be realized. This could potentially decrease the incidence of delirium and negative consequences caused by a postoperative delirium.

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The DOS scale is a very good instrument to facilitate early recognition of delirium by nurses' observation of patients who undergo cardiac surgery. Early recognition will expedite good postoperative management such as implementation of appropriate interventions, and may decrease negative consequences caused by postoperative delirium.