Confusion Assessment Method

The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a diagnostic tool developed to allow physicians and nurses to identify delirium in the healthcare setting.[1] It was designed to be brief (less than 5 minutes to perform) and based on criteria from the third edition-revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R).[citation needed] The CAM rates four diagnostic features, including acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness. The CAM requires that a brief cognitive test is performed before it is completed. It has been translated into more than 20 languages and adapted for use across multiple settings.

  1. ^ Inouye, Sharon K. (1990-12-15). "Clarifying Confusion: The Confusion Assessment Method". Annals of Internal Medicine. 113 (12): 941–948. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-113-12-941. ISSN 0003-4819. PMID 2240918.