Researchers Develop Diagnostic Assessment Tool for CAM-Defined Delirium

A three-minute structured diagnostic assessment called the 3D-CAM, which researchers developed to operationalize the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) algorithm, has high sensitivity and specificity relative to a reference standard and could be an important tool for improving recognition of delirium, reports a study published in the October 21, 2014, Annals of Internal Medicine. The study provides background on the development of the tool and its validation. To create the 3D-CAM, the researchers identified 20 items that best operationalized the four CAM diagnostic features and compared their use against a reference standard derived by an expert panel from extensive clinician assessments, including patient and family interviews and medical record reviews.