Resumo

SAMPAIO, Francisco Miguel Correia  e  SEQUEIRA, Carlos Alberto da Cruz. Translation and validation of the Confusion Assessment Method for the portuguese population. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2013, vol.serIII, n.9, pp.125-134. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII12127.

Background: Acute confusion and delirium are common phenomena, especially in elderly people hospitalized in non-psychiatric acute wards. However, in Portugal there are few validated psychometric instruments that can help to identify these conditions in a clinical context. Objective: To translate and validate the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the Portuguese population. Method: Methodological study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CAM diagnostic algorithm, using DSM-IV-TR® criteria as the gold standard. A random sample of 100 hospitalized elderly people was selected. The CAM was translated using a translation and back-translation technique. Results: In terms of the psychometric properties, using the sensitive and specific scoring method, the results observed were: values for sensitivity - 67% (in both cases); values for specificity - 94% and 97%; values for positive predictive accuracy - 25% and 40%; and values for negative predictive accuracy - 99% (in both cases). The CAM was shown to have convergent validity with the NeeCham Confusion Scale and concurrent validity with DSM-IV-TR® criteria. The inter-rater reliability was 100%. Conclusions: The CAM is an instrument with good sensitivity and very good specificity and is easy to use for delirium screening. In cases of acute confusion the CAM should be used prudently, and should be complemented by the NeeCham Confusion Scale.

Palavras-chave : confusion; delirium; validation study; Portugal.

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