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The Delirium Symptom Interview (DSI) Source:  Albert et al., The Delirium Symptom Interview: An Interview for the Detection of Delirium Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology.  1992;5:14-21. Reprinted with permission from BCDecker, Inc.


Disturbance of Consciousness


16) Can you tell me the days of the week backwards, starting with Saturday? (S,F,T,W,T,M,S)
                       Enter number representing longest correct consecutive series of days
0 refused _____
80
17) Can you tell me the months of the year backwards, starting with December? (D,N,O,S,A,J,J,M,A,M,F,J)
                       Enter number representing longest correct consecutive series of months
0 refused _____   _____
81         82


End of Patient Questions


Thank you. Is there anything else you want to tell me, or anything you want to ask me?



Observations

Form ___ ___ Study ID ___ ___ ___ ___
             3                          

Hosp. Unit # ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
7                                  

Evaluation # ___ ___
13         



18) Did the patient stare into space and appear unaware of his/her environment? If present, how much of the time?
1 Never2 Rarely3 Sometimes4 Most of the Time_____
15
19) Did the patient talk about something else, for example, change the subject suddenly (e.g., non-sequitur) or tell a story unrelated to the interview? (Tangential)
1 No2 Mild3 Moderate4 Severe_____
16
20) Did the patient appear inappropriately distracted by environmental stimuli, for example, respond to questions asked of roommate? (Distractible) If present, how much of the time?
1 Never2 Rarely3 Sometimes4 Most of the Time_____
17
21) Did the patient show excessive absorption with ordinary objects in the environment, for example, repetitively fold sheets or examine the TV tube over and over? (Hypervigilant)
1 No2 Mild3 Moderate4 Severe_____
18
22) Did the patient have a recurring thought that prevented him/her from responding appropriately to the environment, for example, continuously look for shoes that weren't there? (Persistent Thought)
1 No2 Mild3 Moderate4 Severe_____
19
23) Did the patient have trouble keeping track of what was being said during the interview, for example, fail to follow instructions or answer questions one at a time? (Inattentive) If present, how much of the time?
1 Never2 Rarely3 Sometimes4 Most of the Time_____
20
24) Did the patient appear inappropriately startled by stimuli in the environment?
1 No2 Mild3 Moderate4 Severe_____
21
25) Did the patient's level of consciousness fluctuate during the interview, for example, start to respond appropriately and then drift off?
1 No2 Mild3 Moderate4 Severe_____
22
26) Was the patient
1 Awake2 Sleepy3 Stuporous4 Comatose_____
23

 


Notes on behavior:

 

Disturbance of Consciousness Score_____
24    

1= Not Present
2= Present
Present: 2-4 on items #18-25


If the patient is non-communicative, answer all questions on this page with a code of 7 (Not Applicable) and go on to Page 11.


 

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