UB-CAM Delirium Screen

Functionality & Mechanism

The UB-CAM Delirium Screen operationalizes a two-step protocol for identifying delirium in hospitalized adults. Developed by a clinical research team, the app first administers the 2-item UB-2 screen. If results indicate potential delirium, the interface automatically proceeds to the 3D-CAM diagnostic assessment. The entire app-directed protocol requires approximately 90-110 seconds to complete. The system stores prior assessments to facilitate automatic detection of acute mental status changes and integrates with REDCap for data management.

Evidence & Research Context

• A prospective diagnostic study (N=527 hospitalized older adults) validated the two-step protocol, demonstrating specificities of 93% (nurses) and 91% (physicians), with sensitivities of 65% and 63% respectively.
• The app-directed protocol is efficient, requiring an average administration time of 90 to 110 seconds across studies involving physicians, nurses, and research assistants.
• A preliminary pilot study (N=11) in older adults with mild dementia indicated robust inter-rater reliability, with 100% agreement on delirium status in paired assessments.
• Implementation evaluations report high feasibility, with clinician protocol completion rates exceeding 97% and strong qualitative feedback on usability from diverse clinical users.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is designed for clinicians, including physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants, to conduct rapid, systematic bedside screening for delirium in hospitalized adults. Its primary utility is the early identification of potential delirium cases that warrant further investigation. The app does not provide a medical diagnosis; a positive screen necessitates a comprehensive clinical evaluation.