Validation of the PreSchool Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (psCAM-ICU)

Pediatric Delirium in Infants and Young Children: Validation of the PreSchool Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (psCAM-ICU)

The investigators hypothesize that critical care trained registered nurses and physicians can perform measurements of cognitive impairment in critically ill pediatric patients in a reliable and valid manner. To test this hypothesis, the investigators will incorporate an instrument (psCAM-ICU) to assess both components of consciousness, arousal and content, in critically ill pediatric patients at least 6 months to children 5 years of age, both on and off mechanical ventilation, and compare these assessments to those of the reference standard.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit regardless of admitting diagnosis aged at least 6 months of age up to 5 years of age.
• Patients ventilated or non-ventilated.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-English speaking patients.
• Children with visual or hearing impairments.
• Patient/surrogate or physician refusal
• Moribund and not expected to survive >48 hours
• Patients in whom comfort care orders have been instituted
• Patients who are identified for transfer to floor or home regardless of placed orders or bed availability