Table 1.

Structured assessment process to complete the Confusion Assessment Method

CAM Item	Source of information
1. Acute onset and fluctuating course	• Ward staff or relative/carer who knows the patient’s baseline mental status and has observed the patient over time. Inspection of the medical and nursing records. • Previous assessments
2. Inattention	• Informal general conversation • Formal cognitive testing: abbreviated mental test [10]); Months of the Year Backwards test [11]
3. Disorganised thinking	• Informal general conversation • Observations during completion of the abbreviated mental test score [10] and Months of the Year Backwards test [11]
4. Altered level of consciousness	• Information from ward staff • Informal general conversation • Bedside observation

The CAM can be accessed at: www.HospitalElderLifeProgram.org [12]

CAM confusion assessment method