{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A Novel Objective Measure for Terminal Delirium: Activity Scores Measured by a Sheet-Type Sensor.
{Author}: Otani H;Yokomichi N;Imai K;Toyota S;Yamauchi T;Miwa S;Yuasa M;Okamoto S;Kogure T;Inoue S;Morita T;
{Journal}: J Pain Symptom Manage
{Volume}: 68
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: 2024 Sep 27
{Factor}: 5.576
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.05.024
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Delirium is a significant concern in end-of-life care. Continuous monitoring of agitation levels using objective methods may have advantages over existing measurement scales.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To examine whether an objective measure of activity scores measured using a sheet-type non-wearable sensor (Nemuri SCAN [NSCAN]) was correlated with agitation levels measured using the modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) in terminally ill patients with cancer.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study in a palliative care unit using the NSCAN to measure activity scores and the RASS to assess agitation levels. RASS scores were prospectively measured by ward nurses blinded to the NSCAN variables. A database was created to pair the RASS scores and activity scores at night on the same day.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>During the observation period, 1209 patients were hospitalized, and 3028 pairs of assessments of 971 patients were analyzed. The NSCAN activity scores significantly increased with increasing RASS scores (Jonckheere-Terpstra test, p < 0.001). The mean values of the activity scores for each RASS score were RASS -5, 28.9; RASS -4, 36.4; RASS -3, 41.7; RASS -2, 57.4; RASS -1, 58.8; RASS 0, 62.6; RASS 1, 79.6; RASS 2, 106.5; and RASS 3, 118.7.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The NSCAN activity significantly correlated with modified RASS agitation scores. Real-time NSCAN data on agitation may aid timely interventions for optimal symptom control. To improve outcomes for patients suffering from terminal delirium, more research on monitoring tools is warranted.