Assessing the feasibility of using the Dalhousie Computerized Attention Battery to measure postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older patients

Purpose Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is difficult to predict and diagnose, and can have severe consequences in the long term. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a computerised test battery, the Dalhousie Computerized Assessment Battery in the perioperative clinic to detect cognitive changes after surgery. Methods Fifty patients were recruited for this study. Patients completed the Dalhousie Computerized Assessment Battery and tests of general cognition, mood and pain at baseline and at three months postoperatively. Results This pilot study had a screening rate (85.4%) and low attrition rate (12%). At baseline, patients exhibited no significant cognitive differences compared to a normative dataset. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction incidence was 2.7% on Montreal Cognitive Assessment, 13.6% with Dalhousie Computerized Assessment Battery and 36.3% based on subjective reports. Conclusion Computerised cognitive testing in the perioperative setting proved feasible. Deficits in spatial working memory and dual tasks may be most compromised by surgically related variables.