Background We developed a digital clock drawing test (dCDT), an adaptation of the original pen and paper clock test, that may be advantageous over previous dCDTs in the perioperative environment. We trialed our dCDT on a tablet device in the preoperative period to determine the feasibility of administration in this setting. To assess the clinical utility of this test, we examined the relationship between the performance on the test and compared derived digital clock measures with the 4 A's Test (4AT), a delirium and cognition screening tool. Methods We recruited a sample of 102 adults aged 65 years and over presenting for elective surgery in a single tertiary hospital. Participants completed the 4AT, followed by both command and copy clock conditions of the dCDT. We recorded time‐based clock‐drawing metrics, alongside clock replications scored using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) clock scoring criteria. Results The dCDT had an acceptance rate of 99%. After controlling for demographic variables and prior tablet use, regression analyses showed higher 4AT scores were associated with greater dCDT time (seconds) for both command (β = 8.2, P = .020) and copy clocks (β = 12, P = .005) and lower MoCA‐based clock scores in both command (OR = 0.19, P = .001) and copy conditions (OR = 0.14, P = .012). Conclusion The digital clock drawing test is feasible to administer and is highly acceptable to older adults in a preoperative setting. We demonstrated a significant association between both the dCDT time and clock score metrics, with the established 4AT. Our results provide convergent validity of the dCDT in the preoperative setting.

No abstract

A large body of research supports the role of the therapeutic alliance in predicting positive change in psychotherapy. This systematic review examined determinants of alliance quality and its association with treatment outcomes in an under-served and under-researched population—justice-involved youth—with whom several challenges and contextual considerations arise that bear relevance to the alliance. The search strategy yielded 23 independent studies meeting eligibility criteria and describing diverse treatments: 14 quantitative records synthesized narratively and nine qualitative studies that underwent thematic analysis. A complex picture emerged, precluding firm conclusions about factors linked to enhanced alliances and the alliance–outcome relationship with justice-involved youth. Nevertheless, some promising findings were noted across quantitative studies, including potential treatment benefits related to alliance growth and creating positive alliances with caregivers. The review also highlighted the potential relevance of the young person’s relationships with peers and parents and their treatment readiness and expectations to alliance quality. Drawing on adolescent, caregiver, and therapist perspectives, the thematic synthesis of qualitative studies generated themes related to key elements of constructive alliances and their role in creating a foundation for initiating change. An integrated discussion is provided, highlighting practical implications and suggestions for addressing methodological limitations and substantive knowledge gaps.