DI: Delirium Index
1998Severity measure scored from direct observation of the patient (no informant), designed to track change in delirium symptoms over time.
Classification
A tool may belong to more than one category. Select a linked category to see other relevant profiles.
Tool and original sources
This record describes a method rather than a downloadable bedside form. The main source is linked below.
Original and selected diagnostic-accuracy papers
- Original paperMcCusker J, Cole M, Bellavance F, Primeau F. Reliability and validity of a new measure of severity of delirium. International psychogeriatrics. 1998;10(4):421-33. doi: 10.1017/s1041610298005493. PMID: 9924835.
This paper reports the original validation of DI. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.
- Selected diagnostic-accuracy studyKazmierski J, Kowman M, Banach M, Fendler W, Okonski P, Banys A, et al. The use of DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria and diagnostic scales for delirium among cardiac surgery patients: results from the IPDACS study. The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences. 2010;22(4):426-32. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2010.22.4.426. PMID: 21037128.
This diagnostic-accuracy study evaluated DI in cardiac-surgery inpatient cohort against a DSM-IV clinical assessment. It reported sensitivity of 94.6% and specificity of 94.9% in 563 cardiac-surgery patients.
At a glance
- Purpose
- Measurement of delirium severity
- Population
- Adult
- Setting
- General / acute hospital
- Time
- variable
- Items
- 7
- Score or threshold
- Delirium Index ≥7
Format: The instrument records 7 scored items or observations. This site classifies it under measurement of delirium severity. It is intended for adult use in General / acute hospital. The stated administration time is variable. The published result is recorded using Delirium Index ≥7.
Evidence
Reported sensitivity and specificity
Later validation or evaluation · 2010 — pmid:21037128
- Denominator
- Reported source unit: 563 (analysis unit not fully reconciled)
- Reference standard
- Same-rater psychiatrist DSM-IV clinical delirium diagnosis; ICD-10 was also applied in the study
Earliest DTA evaluation identified in the current audit; see the linked source and methodological caveats.
More evidence and citation details
- Full name
- Delirium Index
- Also known as
- DI
- Evidence summary
- single
- Diagnostic-accuracy studies
- 1
- Reference standard
- Same-rater psychiatrist DSM-IV clinical delirium diagnosis; ICD-10 was also applied in the study
- Citation
- McCusker J, Cole M, Bellavance F, Primeau F Reliability and validity of a new measure of severity of delirium International psychogeriatrics. 1998;10(4):421-33. PMID 9924835
Copyright and reuse
- Information checked
- 2026-07-19
Instrument-specific terms apply. See the access and copyright policy or send a correction.
Sources checked 2026-07-29. How profiles are prepared.