Assessing the Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the 4AT Scale in Post-Anesthesia Awakening Delirium

Delirium is a common occurrence in healthcare settings, leading to extended hospital and intensive care stays, and negatively impacting mortality and morbidity rates [1,2]. Previously seen as an unavoidable outcome, delirium is now understood as a preventable condition [3,4]. The delirium incidence in postoperative recovery units fluctuates between 3% and 54%, contingent upon the diagnostic method, patient demographics, and timing of the assessment [6,7,8,9].

Although a myriad of approaches and scales are employed to detect delirium, some may inadequately or erroneously define the condition. Overlooking delirium in its early stages increases healthcare expenses, extends hospitalization, burdens healthcare staff, and interrupts therapeutic plans [3,10,11]. Additionally, the importance of credible and efficient evaluation methods for delirium detection in postoperative recovery units has been underscored [6]. Both the Anesthesia Association and the European Anesthesia Association emphasize the significance of early delirium identification in these units [12,13]. Delirium onset in recovery units correlates with its emergence in general wards or intensive care units [14]. Thus, patients should not be discharged from the recovery units without undergoing a delirium assessment.

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation remains a benchmark for diagnosing delirium. However, given the extensive training this method demands and its lengthy process [15,16] , there is a need for more streamlined and promptly applicable tests for routine delirium screening in postoperative recovery units. While many scales used for delirium assessment require specialized training and are time intensive [17,18], tools such as the delirium risk determination scale, confusion assessment method [CAM] [19], confusion assessment scale for the ICU [CAM-ICU] [20], 3D confusion assessment method [3D-CAM], delirium index [DI], and confusion assessment method importance [CAM-S] have gained acceptance. However, many of these tools are unwieldy [9,17,18]. In response, the 4 At Delirium screening scale [4 AT] was formulated for more rapid and dependable delirium screening [21,22].

The 4AT is a concise assessment tool, comprised of four items designed to evaluate delirium. Healthcare professionals can administer this test in less than 2 minutes, eliminating the need for specialized training [21]. The efficacy of 4AT has been validated in numerous studies involving various populations [21,23,24]. Despite its global recognition and adoption as a clinical instrument, there is a noticeable gap in research on its application within postoperative recovery units, or "awakening units," using the 4AT scale.

Screening for delirium, particularly following surgery, is crucial for timely identification because of its significant impact on long-term patient outcomes. Thus, there is an undeniable demand for reliable and streamlined assessment instruments. Many current tools require specialized knowledge and can be unwieldy in applications. A notable gap exists within Turkey's postoperative recovery setting for efficient and trustworthy delirium screening methods. Against this backdrop, our research aims to tailor the internationally recognized 4 AT Delirium Diagnosis Scale to the Turkish landscape and confirm its effectiveness. The primary objective of this study was to adapt the 4 AT Delirium Diagnosis Scale for Turkish use and ascertain its validity and reliability in a Turkish patient cohort. Within this framework, we address the following questions.