II. Background
- Derived from original Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
- Criteria were selected from those on the CAM that could be assessed objectively from the bedside
III. Criteria: Grade each with score of 0-2 (based on above scale)
- Acute onset or symptom fluctuation
- Score 0: Absent
- Score 1: Present
- Inattention (e.g. list months backwards December to July, Indicate when examiner says an 'A' in S-A-V-E-A-H-A-A-R-T)
- Score 0: Absent
- Score 1: Mild
- Score 2: Marked
- Disorganized Thinking (e.g. Will a stone float? Fish in Sea? 1 lb > 2 lb?, Can hammer pound nail?, Hold up this many fingers)
- Score 0: Absent
- Score 1: Mild
- Score 2: Marked
-
Altered Level of Consciousness (e.g. alert, hyperalert, somnolent, comatose)
- Score 0: Absent
- Score 1: Mild
- Score 2: Marked
IV. Interpretation: Cummulative score (0-7)
V. Efficacy
- Similar efficacy to the longer CAM
- Initial study was based on patients over age 70 years old and on an old data set