Delirium Observation Screening Scale

The Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOS), developed by Mieke J. Schuurmans and colleagues in 2003, is a brief clinician-rated screening instrument designed to detect delirium in hospitalized older adults. Delirium—acute onset confusion, inattention, and disorganized thinking—is a common complication in hospitals and intensive care units that increases mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. The DOS captures the hallmark features of delirium through direct observation, making it practical for rapid, repeated screening in busy clinical settings.