cam_icu_delirium_assessment: Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)

Description

Applies the CAM-ICU algorithm to diagnose delirium in critically ill, mechanically ventilated, or non-intubated patients. The diagnosis is positive if **Feature 1 AND Feature 2 AND (Feature 3 OR Feature 4)** are present. This tool is designed to be highly sensitive and specific when used by trained staff.

Usage

cam_icu_delirium_assessment(acute_fluctuating, inattention, altered_loc,
                            disorganized_thinking)

Arguments

acute_fluctuating	Numeric (0 or 1). Feature 1: Is there an acute change in mental status from baseline OR a fluctuation in the past 24 hours? (1 = Yes).
inattention	Numeric (0 or 1). Feature 2: Is the patient inattentive (e.g., failure on the Attention Screening Exam)? (1 = Yes).
altered_loc	Numeric (0 or 1). Feature 3: Is the patient's level of consciousness anything other than 0 (Alert and Calm) on the RASS? (1 = Yes).
disorganized_thinking	Numeric (0 or 1). Feature 4: Is there disorganized thinking (e.g., failure on the Commands/Questions set)? (1 = Yes).

Value

A list containing:

Diagnosis	"Delirium Positive" or "Delirium Negative".
Required_Features_Met	Boolean confirmation of the three core requirements of the diagnostic algorithm.

References

Ely EW, Margolin B, Francis J, et al. Evaluation of delirium in critically ill patients: validation of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). Crit Care Med. 2001;29(7):1370-1379. doi:10.1097/00003246-200107000-00012

Examples

# Example 1: Delirium Positive
# Acute change (1), Inattention (1), LOC is normal (0), but Disorganized Thinking (1)
cam_icu_delirium_assessment(1, 1, 0, 1)

# Example 2: Delirium Negative (Fails F2)
# Acute change (1), Attention is normal (0), LOC altered (1), Disorganized (1)
cam_icu_delirium_assessment(1, 0, 1, 1)

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.