New study demonstrates the value of cognitive pre-assessment as a method of delirium risk-stratification

A recent piece in Anesthesiology News highlights Dr. Stephen Choi’s, director of research in the Department of Anesthesia at Sunnybrook, work in addressing postoperative delirium through the PROMoTE Trial. The article underscores the value of cognitive pre-assessment as a method of delirium risk-stratification in the perioperative period. Notably, early data from Phase I of the PROMoTE trial found pre-existing cognitive impairment in nearly half of study participants (adults over 60 undergoing major elective surgery). Given that pre-existing cognitive impairment is a known risk factor for post-operative delirium, PROMoTE seeks to redesign the surgical pathway to stratify patients and implement a delirium prevention bundle for at-risk patients.