CAM-ICU

 (Ely, 2016; Ely et al., 2003)

Training Manual

CAM-ICU Worksheet

Quick valid and reliable bedside assessment tool and delirium monitoring instrument for ICU patients. Can be used by all providers and is adapted for use with non-verbal patients. Delirium is defined in terms of four diagnostic features and is deemed positive when Feature 1 and Feature 2 AND either Feature 3 OR 4 is present.

Feature 1: Acute change or fluctuating course of mental status.

• Use RASS or past CAM-ICU scores. Evaluate baseline mental status and whether it’s been fluctuating in the last 24 hrs.

Feature 2: Inattention

• Patients are instructed to squeeze the examiner’s hand when they hear the letter A. If the patient is unable can try picture recall

Feature 3: Altered level of consciousness

• The current level of consciousness/RASS score

Feature 4: Disorganized thinking

• Yes/no questions and command following

Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM)

(Ho Han, 2015)

bCAM Training Manual

Delirium assessment that takes less than 2 minutes to perform. bCAM is a modified CAM-ICU designed to improve sensitivity in non-critically ill patients and uses objective testing to determine the presence of inattention and disorganized thinking. The patient must be inattentive in order to be bCAM positive.

Features 1, 3, & 4 are the same as the CAM-ICU. In feature 2, patients are asked to name the months backward.