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CRS: Confusion Rating Scale

1988

A four-dimension nurse-observed Confusion Rating Scale completed from behaviour across an eight-hour shift. It is rapid and fluctuation-sensitive, but has narrow domain coverage and was described by its developer as immature.

Classification

Classification

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Tool and original sources

No direct copy is linked here. The original paper and a Google Images search are available below. Image results may be unofficial; check the version and source before use.

Original paper

  • Original paperWilliams MA, Ward SE, Campbell EB. Confusion: testing versus observation. Journal of gerontological nursing. 1988;14(1):25-30. doi: 10.3928/0098-9134-19880101-08. PMID: 3335761.

    This is the original published source for CRS. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.

One DTA study identifiedCore instrument family

At a glance

Purpose
Episodic assessment
Population
Adult
Time
under 5 min after an 8-hour observation period; later summaries describe 1-2 min
Items
4
Score or threshold
Greater than 1 in the current diagnostic-accuracy record; thresholds should be tied to the cited study

Format: Each of four behavioural dimensions is rated from absent to marked, producing a 0-8 total after shift observation. This high-level structure is sufficient for commentary; exact definitions and study-specific thresholds belong in the source.

Evidence

Evidence maturityOne DTA study identified

Reported metric context

Foundational nurse-rated confusion scale; descriptive study comparing testing with observation.

More evidence and citation details
Full name
Confusion Rating Scale
Also known as
CRS
Evidence summary
single-DTA
Diagnostic-accuracy studies
1
Reference standard
CAM assessment by trained research nurse or psychiatrist
Citation
Williams MA, Ward SE, Campbell EB Confusion: testing versus observation Journal of gerontological nursing. 1988;14(1):25-30. PMID 3335761
Copyright and reuse
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.