UB-CAM — Ultra-Brief Confusion Assessment Method

2020

Two-step, app-directed protocol (UB-2 then remaining 3D-CAM items) for efficient delirium identification by nurses, physicians and nursing assistants.

Ultra-brief bedside screenDiagnostic assessment (episodic)Single validation study

63–65%

Sensitivity*

91–93%

Specificity*

n=527

Sample

Full nameUltra-Brief Confusion Assessment Method

Also known asUB-CAM, Ultra-Brief CAM, app-directed CAM

PurposeUltra-brief bedside screen, Diagnostic assessment (episodic)

PopulationAdult

SettingGeneral / acute hospital

Items6

Administration<2 min

EvidenceSingle validation study

Reference typeOriginal validation study

Reference standardResearch reference standard

Validation samplen = 527

Cut-off / scoringUB-2 positive → remaining 3D-CAM items

Strengths＋ App-directed; nurses/assistants perform as well as physicians

Limitations− Two-step; moderate sensitivity for mild delirium

ReferenceMarcantonio ER, Fick DM, Jung Y, et al. Comparative implementation of a brief app-directed protocol for delirium identification by hospitalists, nurses, and nursing assistants: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 2021;175(1):65-73. PMID 34748377

Download RIS Download BibTeX DOI ↗ Original validation study ↗Official source ↗

* Where shown, sensitivity/specificity are from the cited validation cohort and are not pooled estimates. Citation metadata was checked against PubMed or the publisher DOI record; a checked reference does not imply validation, study quality or endorsement. See the Methodology.