Predicting Delirium by Attentional Dysfunction

The first part of this application will be used, consisting of a visual vigilance test based on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Stimuli consist of a one digit number presented in the middle of the screen. For each trial the application randomly selects a specific number as the target stimulus. Patients are instructed to keep their dominant trigger finger close to the screen and press a button which is located at the bottom of the screen, whenever the target appears. In case another stimulus appears the patient is instructed to do nothing. Each stimulus is presented until the patient presses the button (maximum 3 sec.). Stimuli are presented in a random fashion with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 second inter-stimuli-interval blank, which randomly varies. After an 8 stimuli practice trial, the test starts and a total of 50 stimuli are presented with a 50% target rate. Full-trial duration is approximately 5 minutes. During the trial, reaction time and accuracy of response are registered.