ToolsCalculators
Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD)
Screens for delirium across all ages of critically ill children.
Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD)
1. Makes eye contact with caregiver
2. Actions are purposeful
3. Aware of surroundings
4. Communicates needs and wants
5. Restless
6. Inconsolable
7. Underactive / little movement when awake
8. Slow to respond to interactions
Result0 points
Below the delirium threshold (< 9).
- Delirium screen
- Negative
When to use
- Screening for delirium in critically ill children, including preverbal and developmentally delayed patients.
Formula
Sum of eight observational items each scored 0–4 (items 1–4 anchored always→never, items 5–8 never→always). Range 0–32; a total ≥ 9 indicates delirium.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Interpret against the child's developmental baseline using the anchor points.
- Assess only when the child is arousable; deeply sedated patients cannot be scored.