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CHART-DEL: Chart-based Delirium Identification Instrument

2005

A validated method for identifying delirium retrospectively from the medical record, for quality-improvement and research where prospective assessment is impossible. Far more sensitive than administrative (ICD) codes, but not intended for individual patient diagnosis.

At a glance

Purpose
Retrospective ascertainment
Population
Adult
Setting
General / acute hospital
Time
variable
Score or threshold
Chart-review algorithm

Format: A trained chart-review method for retrospective delirium ascertainment from existing clinical records. It is not a real-time bedside assessment. Use the current developer materials for the method, instructions and permissions.

  • Strengths: Retrospective identification for QI/research; far better than ICD codes
  • Limitations: Not for individual patient diagnosis

CAM usually means the four-feature short form; the long form has ten items. Check which form and supporting assessment the study used. Short and long CAM explained.

Primary validation papers

0 identified diagnostic-accuracy papers

Other forms of validation are described in the evidence section. What is counted?

Large-scale clinical implementation

Not yet reviewed.

A focused implementation review has not yet been completed for this profile.

Training and instructions

  • Instrument-specific manual. Public developer resource page. Choose the exact instrument and version.
  • CHART-DEL form. Public instrument material checked on 5 September 2026. Follow the source’s version and permission conditions.
  • CHART-DEL manual or instructions. Public manual or instructions checked on 5 September 2026. Follow the source’s version and permission conditions.
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Tool and original sources

A source for the tool or its access information is linked below. Check the version and current terms before use, copying or adaptation.

Open the official tool page ↗ NIDUS information cards ↗

Original paper

  • Original paperInouye SK, Leo-Summers L, Zhang Y, Bogardus ST, Leslie DL, Agostini JV. A chart-based method for identification of delirium: validation compared with interviewer ratings using the confusion assessment method. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2005;53(2):312-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53120.x. PMID: 15673358.

    This paper reports the original validation of CHART-DEL. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.

    Open PubMed ↗
No eligible DTA study identifiedRelated context
Classification

Classification

Retrospective ascertainment

A tool may belong to more than one category. Select a linked category to see other relevant profiles.

Evidence

Diagnostic-accuracy evidenceNo eligible DTA study identified

Reported sensitivity and specificity

74%
Sensitivity
83%
Specificity

Vs CAM reference standard (n=919); not for individual diagnosis.

More evidence and citation details
Full name
Chart-based Delirium Identification Instrument
Also known as
CHART-DEL, chart-based delirium instrument, Chart-DEL
Related profiles
CHART-DEL-ICU
Evidence summary
single
Reference standard
Interviewer CAM
Reliability
Agreement 82%, κ 0.41
Citation
Inouye SK, Leo-Summers L, Zhang Y, Bogardus ST, Leslie DL, Agostini JV. A chart-based method for identification of delirium: validation compared with interviewer ratings using the confusion assessment method. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53(2):312-8. PMID 15673358
Download RIS ↗ Download BibTeX ↗

Primary validation studies

Distinct primary publications from the current diagnostic-accuracy audit. Reviews and repeated evaluations within one paper are not counted again. Overlapping cohorts have not all been reconciled. Read the counting rules and limitations.

No eligible diagnostic-accuracy paper is currently included in this audit. This does not mean the tool has never been validated. The source paper and other evidence on this profile may concern severity, reliability or another measurement purpose.

Copyright and reuse
Version
Use the current version supplied by the resource page
Information checked
2026-07-19

Instrument-specific terms apply. See the access and copyright policy or send a correction.

Base clinical review: 2026-07-29. Instrument description source check: 2026-09-05. Scope and limitations.