Cognition, dementia and delirium
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) — administration and scoring reference.
Reference information · Official-form reference
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Official-form reference
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | CAM; feature-based delirium identification |
| Respondent | Trained assessor |
| Purpose | Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) — administration and scoring reference. |
Administration
Complete an appropriate cognitive assessment and establish acute change or fluctuation using baseline/collateral information. Rate the original CAM features.
Scoring method
Feature-based delirium algorithm following appropriate cognitive assessment.
Interpretation & limitations
- Apply the CAM feature algorithm rather than adding feature points; investigate suspected delirium clinically.
- Interpret the findings alongside the clinical interview, functioning, history and relevant physical assessment.
- An unassessable feature is not a negative feature. Do not confuse the CAM detection algorithm with the separate CAM-S severity scale.
- Use the original instrument and manual for item wording, rating anchors, missing-data rules and any normative conversions. This reference does not establish a diagnosis or select treatment.