Validation of the 3-Minute Diagnostic Interview for CAM-defined Delirium (3D-CAM) and the Ultra-Brief CAM (UB-CAM) in French.

Delirium is very common in hospitalized older patients and associated with serious clinical bad outcomes (e.g. increased risk of functional decline and death). Despite its high prevalence in the hospital setting, delirium remains underdiagnosed. A better identification would allow an early management and a reduction of its complications.

The validation of easy-to-use and quick and formalized tools for the identification of delirium and their implementation in the clinical practice are necessary.

Recently, the 3D-CAM (3-minutes Diagnostic interview for Confusion Assessment Method -defined delirium) and the UB-CAM (Ultra-Brief CAM) showed very high sensitivity and specificity (> 90%), compared to the reference standard (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM criteria)) for the diagnosis of delirium.

The investigators aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the French versions of the 3D-CAM and the UB-CAM used in delirium screening in older adults hospitalized in geriatric units, compared to reference standard.