ICU Delirium and Cognitive Impairment Study Group

Delirium is confusion that comes on very fast, sometimes in just a few hours. When someone becomes delirious, it means that they can not think clearly, have trouble paying attention and are not aware of what is going on around them. Sometimes they may even see or hear things that are not really there but seem very real to them.

Risk Factors
Study

Terminology and
Mnemonics

Assessment

Implementation
of CAM-ICU

FAQ

Patients and
Family

	Video: Some common sedatives could negatively affect the brain		Video: Dr. Valerie Page - Delirium in ICU
	Video: 10 Key Points Tutorial		Video: Using the CAM-ICU

The following resources are instruments offered to assist in the monitoring of delirium for ICU patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are well validated delirium assessment tools that are easy to administer. Below are links to these resources in several formats (i.e. training manuals, worksheets, etc.). For these resources in other languages click here.

CAM-ICU Training Manual
This is a training manual for physicians, nurses and other health care professionals who wish to use the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU).

CAM-ICU Worksheet
The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) and the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) worksheet.

CAM-ICU Flowsheet
This flowsheet is a modification of the original CAM-ICU worksheet made facilitate implementation at the bedside by healthcare profesisonals.

ICDSC
The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist is an eight item checklist based on DSM-IV Criteria and features of delirium. It is intended to be a bedside screening tool for delirium in the ICU.

Implementation Study
We have documented the process improvement project that involved implementing the RASS and CAM-ICU into the bedside nursing assessments of critically ill patients at two hospitals.

Increased scrutiny has recently been placed on appropriate titration of sedative and analgesic medications in critically ill patients, especially those being treated with mechanical ventilation.

Sedation Resources

Wake Up and Breathe Study

Research indicates that at least 1 in 3 survivors of critical illness will experience long-term cognitive impairment of a severity consistent with mild to moderate dementia.

About Long Term Cognitive Impairment
Associated Outcomes
Reports of ICU Patients
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Patient Testimonials
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