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DSI: Delirium Symptom Interview

1992

Structured interview enabling lay interviewers to reliably detect the major symptoms of delirium in hospitalised patients.

Classification

Classification

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Tool and original sources

No direct copy is linked here. The original paper and a Google Images search are available below. Image results may be unofficial; check the version and source before use.

Original paper

  • Original paperAlbert MS, Levkoff SE, Reilly C, Liptzin B, Pilgrim D, Cleary PD, et al. The delirium symptom interview: an interview for the detection of delirium symptoms in hospitalized patients. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology. 1992;5(1):14-21. doi: 10.1177/002383099200500103. PMID: 1571069.

    This is the original published source for DSI. It reported sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 80% against the study's independent clinical reference assessment.

Multiple DTA studies identifiedCore instrument family

At a glance

Purpose
Episodic assessment
Population
Adult
Setting
General / acute hospital
Time
variable
Items
7
Score or threshold
Delirium Symptom Interview positive

Format: The instrument records 7 scored items or observations. This site classifies it under episodic assessment and detailed phenomenological and/or neuropsychological assessment. It is intended for adult use in General / acute hospital. The stated administration time is variable. The published result is recorded using Delirium Symptom Interview positive.

Evidence

Evidence maturityMultiple DTA studies identified

Reported sensitivity and specificity

Headline metric source

Original/source study · 1992 — pmid:1571069

Denominator
Reported source unit: 50 (analysis unit not fully reconciled)
Reference standard
Independent psychiatrist and neurologist assessment of DSM-III delirium symptom domains; a reference case required both physicians to rate at least one critical symptom possible, probable or definite
90%
Sensitivity
80%
Specificity

Original validation, n=50.

More evidence and citation details
Full name
Delirium Symptom Interview
Also known as
DSI
Evidence summary
multi
Diagnostic-accuracy studies
3
Reference standard
Independent psychiatrist and neurologist assessment of DSM-III delirium symptom domains; a reference case required both physicians to rate at least one critical symptom possible, probable or definite
Citation
Albert MS, Levkoff SE, Reilly C, Liptzin B, Pilgrim D, Cleary PD, Evans D, Rowe JW The delirium symptom interview: an interview for the detection of delirium symptoms in hospitalized patients Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology. 1992;5(1):14-21. PMID 1571069
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.