Though many other delirium assessments have been studied for non-ICU patients, the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is probably the most widely studied and used delirium assessment. The short form CAM is the progenitor of the bCAM, CAM-ICU, and 3D-CAM. The CAM’s features are determined by observing the patient during the interview and while performing bedside cognitive testing. The original validation study observed that the CAM was 94% to 100% sensitive and 90% to 95% specific compared with a psychiatrist’s assessment (Inouye et al. Ann Int Med.1990). Wong et al. performed a meta-analysis and observed a pooled sensitivity of 86% and pooled specificity of 93% (Wong et al. JAMA. 2010). The CAM takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
The Confusion Assessment Method and derivatives are intended to assist with identifying the symptoms of confusion or delirium and is intended to be used as instructed. An accurate diagnosis for delirium, confusion, or other psychiatric disorders can only be made by a qualified healthcare provider or physician after a clinical evaluation. These materials are not intended to address the many situations that may arise in dealing with delirium, and persons must exercise their independent judgment about such clinical situations. Vanderbilt University, Dr. Jin H. Han, the Hospital Elder Life Program, LLC., Dr. Sharon K. Inouye, MD or Hebrew SeniorLife shall have no liability for claims by, or damages of any kind whatsoever to, a user of this content or any other person for a decision or action taken in reliance on the information contained on this web site. Such damages include, without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages. YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY; JIN HAN, M.D., HOSPITAL ELDER LIFE PROGRAM, LLC., SHARON INOUYE, M.D. AND HEBREW SENIORLIFE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, PHYSICAL OR FINANCIAL, RELATED TO THE CONTENT OR YOUR RELIANCE ON THE CONTENT. YOUR USE OF THESE MATERIALS CONSTITUTES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS DISCLAIMER.
