Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 60 and up

Predicting Delirium Risk After Heart Surgery Using a New Cognitive Tool

Official title: Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium After Cardiac Surgery Using a Novel Self-Administered Preoperative Cognitive Assessment Tool

Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT03360838 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new app to see if it can help doctors predict which older patients are at risk of developing confusion after heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment475 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 16, 2018
Main results expectedAugust 2025
Study endsDecember 2025
Registry record updatedJanuary 27, 2025
Trial IDNCT03360838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 60 years and older who are scheduled for elective cardiac surgery and can communicate in German.

Probably not a fit

Patients undergoing emergency surgery or those with medical instability that limits preoperative assessment may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to validate the CogCheck application as a tool for predicting the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study focuses on identifying high-risk individuals by assessing cognitive performance prior to surgery, as pre-existing cognitive impairment is a significant risk factor for postoperative cognitive decline. By utilizing a self-administered tablet program, the study seeks to improve the detection of cognitive issues that are often overlooked in clinical settings. The ultimate goal is to enhance preventive strategies for delirium and cognitive dysfunction in this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification of patients at risk for postoperative delirium, allowing for targeted preventive measures.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cognitive assessments can help identify at-risk patients, but this specific approach using the CogCheck tool is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective cardiac surgery
* Age ≥60 years
* Good knowledge of the German language
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency surgery
* Medical instability limiting preoperative assessment
* Surgical procedures without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass
* Procedures involving deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
* Concurrent carotid surgical procedures
* Participation in an interventional trial with POD or POCD as primary endpoint

Where it's running

  • University Hospital Basel
    Basel, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.