🧠 Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Screen for delirium at the bedside with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
1. Acute onset and fluctuating course
2. Inattention
3. Disorganised thinking
4. Altered level of consciousness
When to use
Detect delirium in hospitalised and elderly patients.
How it works
Delirium = (acute onset/fluctuating course AND inattention) AND (disorganised thinking OR altered consciousness).
Key points
- Features 1 and 2 are both required.
- Assess attention formally (months backward, digit span).
- CAM-ICU adapts this for ventilated patients.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.