Psychometric Properties of a Delirium Severity Score for Older Adults and Association With Hospital and Posthospital Outcomes

Abstract

Key Points Question Are scores on a delirium severity measure that was developed using advanced psychometric approaches associated with in-hospital and posthospital clinical outcomes? Findings In this cohort study of older patients (aged ≥70 years), patients in the highest delirium severity score short form group (scores 6-9) had longer mean length of stay (13.3 vs 6.9 days), greater in-hospital costs ($57 700 vs $34 200), higher 1-year costs ($168 700 vs $106 500), and increased mortality at 1 year (50% vs 17%) compared with patients in the lowest delirium severity score short form group (score 0). Meaning These findings suggest that the delirium severity score provides an approach for measuring delirium severity that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and that the delirium severity score may help advance patient-centered care for delirium.