How well is cognitive function documented by medical staff in the over-65 age group at the time of acute medical admission?
OBJECTIVE
Cognitive function in the elderly has a significant impact on prognosis and functional ability during an acute illness requiring hospital admission.


METHODS
This prospective review was designed to measure how well cognitive function in the elderly was documented by medical staff at admission to hospital. Over a 2-week period, 257 patient admissions were reviewed.


RESULTS
Of these, only 153 (59%) had their cognitive function documented on admission and only 14% had their premorbid cognitive function documented. Delirium was only diagnosed in 8 patients (3%) with at least 10 others having descriptions of delirious states without the formal diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
In keeping with other studies, this audit shows that the documentation of cognitive function by medical staff is poor.
Rodwell
Joanne
J
Christchurch Public Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand. Joanner2@cdhb.govt.nz
Fletcher
Valerie
V
Hughes
Ruth
R
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006753:Hospital Records; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index