CAM-IMC — Confusion Assessment Method for Intermediate Care Unit

What this tool is and how to interpret its evidence

The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intermediate Care Unit, or CAM-IMC, is a CAM-family adaptation developed for non-intubated patients receiving intermediate-level postoperative care. The early work arose in cardiac-surgical services and explored whether adding a more explicit orientation component could help identify delirium where standard ICU and general-ward approaches each have practical limitations.

The first report was a secondary analysis and should be described as development evidence. A 2024 prospective cohort study subsequently evaluated diagnostic accuracy in non-intubated patients and reported sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 94% against the study reference assessment. This later work materially strengthens the record, although external replication beyond the originating clinical network and broader medical populations remains desirable. Performance may differ with aphasia, baseline cognitive impairment, language, sensory loss and changing levels of arousal.

CAM-IMC deserves a version page within the CAM family rather than a separate independent-family count. The page should distinguish the 2021 development report from the 2024 prospective validation and identify the intermediate-care and perioperative populations studied. Because the method depends on CAM-family feature definitions, the description should remain high level: purpose, setting, development rationale, timing and evidence. It should link to the publications and authorised CAM resources instead of reproducing feature wording, decision logic or a substitute bedside form.