Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium After Cardiac Surgery Using a Novel Self-Administered Preoperative Cognitive Assessment Tool

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the CogCheck application, a self-administered cognitive assessment tool on a tablet, to predict the risk of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction are common and serious complications in older surgical patients, often linked to pre-existing cognitive impairment. Since effective treatment options are limited, early identification and prevention of high-risk patients is crucial. This observational study aims to validate CogCheck as a reliable risk prediction tool for these cognitive complications after cardiac surgery. Participants will use the CogCheck application before their elective cardiac surgery to assess their cognitive function. The study collects data from these cognitive tests to analyze which aspects best predict the development of postoperative delirium. The study excludes emergency surgeries and certain complex procedures. No additional treatments or interventions are applied; instead, the focus is on validating the self-assessment tool’s predictive ability. During the study, participants will be monitored closely after surgery with assessments for delirium conducted three times daily starting from the first day after surgery until discharge from the intensive or intermediate care unit, for up to 50 days. Researchers will compare patients who develop delirium with those who do not to develop risk profiles. This approach aims to improve the identification of patients who may benefit from preventive measures before surgery. Participants must have good German language skills and provide written consent, with study involvement spanning the preoperative assessment through postoperative monitoring.

Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium After Cardiac Surgery Using a Novel Self-Administered Preoperative Cognitive Assessment Tool