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Nurses' evaluation of the Confusion Assessment Method: a pilot study.
Christine M Waszynski1, Kimberly Petrovic
1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
|April 24, 2008
Summary
Nurses found the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) easy to use and helpful for identifying delirium in hospitalized adults. This pilot study highlights the CAM
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Nursing Practice
- Critical Care
Background:
- Delirium is often underdiagnosed in hospitalized adult patients.
- Nursing staff are in a key position to identify delirium due to continuous patient contact.
- Early identification of delirium is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nurses' perceptions of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) regarding its ease of use.
- To assess the helpfulness of the CAM in identifying delirium in adult hospital patients.
- To report delirium incidence rates identified by nurses using the CAM.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted on two hospital units.
- Nurses evaluated the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for usability and effectiveness.
- Delirium rates were collected over one month across all nursing shifts.
Main Results:
- The majority of nurses perceived the CAM as user-friendly.
- Nurses found the CAM to be an effective tool for assessing cognitive status over time.
- The study documented delirium rates among the patient population.
Conclusions:
- The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a practical and effective instrument for nurses to identify delirium.
- Integrating the CAM into routine nursing assessments can improve delirium detection rates.
- Further implementation of the CAM is recommended for enhanced patient care in hospital settings.
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