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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.

Classification

Classification

Retrospective ascertainment

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Tool and original sources

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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.

No eligible DTA study identifiedRelated context

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

Evidence

Evidence maturityNo 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
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.

Sources checked 2026-07-29. How profiles are prepared.