CAM ICU Delirium Assessment Tool Calculator

Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit CAM ICU Delirium Assessment Tool Explanation and Clinical Context The CAM ICU is a structured bedside method used to identify delirium in critically ill patients including those who are unable to speak due to mechanical ventilation. The assessment consists of four clinical features. Feature one reflects acute onset or a fluctuating course which is determined through patient history and nurse observation.

Feature two evaluates inattention which can be tested using simple auditory tasks. Feature three assesses altered level of consciousness using the RASS scale. Feature four evaluates disorganized thinking which is observed through the patient ability to follow commands and maintain logical responses.

A positive CAM ICU requires feature one and feature two and either feature three or feature four. This calculator uses a ten item attention task with inattention indicated by fewer than eight correct responses. Altered level of consciousness is defined by any RASS score other than zero.

Recognition of delirium allows timely treatment of underlying causes which can significantly reduce complications and improve outcomes in the intensive care setting. Reference Ely EW, Inouye SK, Bernard GR, Gordon S, Francis J, May L, Truman B, Speroff T, Gautam S, Margolin R, Hart RP, Dittus R. Delirium in mechanically ventilated patients validity and reliability of the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit.

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