OSLA: Observational Scale of Level of Arousal
2013OSLA is a brief observational measure of level of arousal. Abnormal arousal can support delirium assessment, but it is not synonymous with delirium and requires clinical interpretation.
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 paper
- Original paperTieges Z, McGrath A, Hall RJ, Maclullich AM. Abnormal level of arousal as a predictor of delirium and inattention: an exploratory study. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. 2013;21(12):1244-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2013.05.003. PMID: 24080383.
This is the original published source for OSLA. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.
At a glance
- Purpose
- Domain-specific or adjunctive measure
- Population
- Adult
- Setting
- Perioperative, General / acute hospital
- Time
- <1 min
- Items
- 4
Format: A brief four-observation measure of level of arousal, usually completed at the bedside in under one minute. It provides adjunctive information for delirium assessment rather than a delirium screen or diagnosis.
Evidence
Reported sensitivity and specificity
Exploratory study, n=30 hip-fracture patients.
More evidence and citation details
- Full name
- Observational Scale of Level of Arousal
- Also known as
- OSLA
- Evidence summary
- single
- Citation
- Tieges Z, McGrath A, Hall RJ, MacLullich AMJ. Abnormal level of arousal as a predictor of delirium and inattention: an exploratory study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2013;21(12):1244-53. PMID 24080383
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.