Summary

What it measures:

The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) is a tool used to assess delirium among patients in the intensive care unit.  It is an adaptation of the CAM which was originally developed to allow non-psychiatrists to assess delirium at bedside.  The CAM-ICU tool assesses four features: (1) the acute onset of mental status changes, or a fluctuating course (Feature 1), (2) inattention (Feature 2), (3) altered levels of consciousness (Feature 3), and (4) disorganized thinking (Feature 4). CAM-ICU is positive if a patient manifests features 1 and 2, plus either feature 3 or 4 (Han et al, 2014).

Target Population:

The CAM-ICU has been utilized in patient populations who are critically ill both with and without mechanical ventilation (Ely, et al, 2001a).  This summary contains information on the use of the CAM-ICU in patients in early rehab in the ICU.