NEECHAM: NEECHAM Confusion Scale
1996Rapid, unobtrusive observational scale for assessing and monitoring acute confusion, including quieter (hypoactive) presentations.
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 and selected diagnostic-accuracy papers
- Original paperNeelon VJ, Champagne MT, Carlson JR, Funk SG. The NEECHAM Confusion Scale: construction, validation, and clinical testing. Nursing research. 1996;45(6):324-30. doi: 10.1097/00006199-199611000-00002. PMID: 8941300.
This paper reports the original validation of NEECHAM. It is the main source for the method, its intended use and the evidence available at publication.
- Selected diagnostic-accuracy studyGemert van LA, Schuurmans MJ. The Neecham Confusion Scale and the Delirium Observation Screening Scale: capacity to discriminate and ease of use in clinical practice. BMC nursing. 2007;6:3. doi: 10.1186/1472-6955-6-3. PMID: 17394635.
This diagnostic-accuracy study evaluated NEECHAM in four wards of a university hospital against an independent DSM-IV clinical assessment. It reported sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87% in 68 patients with complete three-shift NEECHAM data within an 87-patient cohort.
Article PDF: CC BY. This licence applies to the article PDF and does not grant rights to reproduce the tool.
- Selected diagnostic-accuracy studyImmers HE, Schuurmans MJ, van de Bijl JJ. Recognition of delirium in ICU patients: a diagnostic study of the NEECHAM confusion scale in ICU patients. BMC nursing. 2005;4:7. doi: 10.1186/1472-6955-4-7. PMID: 16351715.
This diagnostic-accuracy study evaluated NEECHAM in adult intensive-care unit against an independent DSM-IV clinical assessment. It reported sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 83% in 105 ICU patients.
Article PDF: CC BY. This licence applies to the article PDF and does not grant rights to reproduce the tool.
At a glance
- Purpose
- Episodic assessment
- Population
- Adult
- Setting
- General / acute hospital
- Time
- variable
- Items
- 9
- Score or threshold
- Study-defined NEECHAM cutoff; exact cutoff pending
Format: The instrument records 9 scored items or observations. This site classifies it under episodic assessment and monitoring for new onset delirium. It is intended for adult use in General / acute hospital. The stated administration time is variable. The published result is recorded using Study-defined NEECHAM cutoff; exact cutoff pending.
Evidence
Reported sensitivity and specificity
Later validation or evaluation · 2002 — pmid:11829220
- Denominator
- Reported source unit: 74 (analysis unit not fully reconciled)
- Reference standard
- DSM-IV criteria for delirium
Earliest DTA evaluation identified in the current audit; see the linked source and methodological caveats.
More evidence and citation details
- Full name
- NEECHAM Confusion Scale
- Also known as
- NEECHAM, Neelon Champagne Confusion Scale
- Evidence summary
- multi
- Diagnostic-accuracy studies
- 7
- Reference standard
- DSM-IV criteria for delirium
- Citation
- Neelon VJ, Champagne MT, Carlson JR, Funk SG The NEECHAM Confusion Scale: construction, validation, and clinical testing Nursing research. 1996;45(6):324-30. PMID 8941300
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.