Clinical Research Directory

A Prospective Observational Study Using the FAM-CAM

The goal of this observational study is to learn whether family members can help identify signs of delirium in adult patients who are staying in the intensive care unit, or ICU. Delirium is a sudden change in attention, thinking, or awareness that can happen during serious illness. The main question it aims to answer is: Can family members notice possible signs of delirium that may not be found during routine ICU delirium screening? Participants will receive their usual medical care. Family members who know the patient well will complete a short delirium assessment called the FAM-CAM after visiting the patient. Nurses will continue to perform routine ICU delirium screening using the ICDSC as part of usual care. The study team will compare the family member's assessment with the nurse's routine assessment to see whether family observations provide additional helpful information. Family members may complete the assessment for up to 3 days while the patient is in the ICU.