Exam

CAM-S

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CAM-S, Confusion Assessment Method Short Form

  • Background
  1. Derived from original Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
  2. Criteria were selected from those on the CAM that could be assessed objectively from the bedside
  • Criteria
  • Grade each with score of 0-2 (based on above scale)
  1. Acute onset or symptom fluctuation
    1. Score 0: Absent
    2. Score 1: Present
  2. 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)
    1. Score 0: Absent
    2. Score 1: Mild
    3. Score 2: Marked
  3. Disorganized Thinking (e.g. Will a stone float? Fish in Sea? 1 lb > 2 lb?, Can hammer pound nail?, Hold up this many fingers)
    1. Score 0: Absent
    2. Score 1: Mild
    3. Score 2: Marked
  4. Altered Level of Consciousness (e.g. alert, hyperalert, somnolent, comatose)
    1. Score 0: Absent
    2. Score 1: Mild
    3. Score 2: Marked
  • Interpretation
  • Cummulative score (0-7)
  1. Total Score: 0
    1. No Delirium
  2. Total Score: 1
    1. Mild Delirium
  3. Total Score: 2
    1. Moderate Delirium
  4. Total Score 3-7
    1. Severe Delirium
  • Efficacy
  1. Similar efficacy to the longer CAM
  2. Initial study was based on patients over age 70 years old and on an old data set