Prevalence of Confusion in Elderly Hospitalized Patients

Incidence and prevalence of confusion in a sample of hospitalized patients over age 60 was studied in a general hospital in northern Michigan. Fifty-five out of 99 patients studied during two study periods of 22 and 24 days respectively were found to have acute confusion. Data were gathered by the use of interviews, chart review, and observation. The daily prevalence rate was 5.5% and similar prevalence and severity was found on all three shifts. Only five of the 55 patients were labeled confused on admission and average onset was si ? and one-half days after admission. A high nurse-patient ratio and "no nursing station" concept of care was credited for the low incidence of acute confusion.