The PPI relies on the assessment of performance status using the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS, oral intake, and the presence or absence of dyspnea, edema, and delirium.
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Performance status/Symptoms
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Partial score
|
|
Palliative Performance Scale
|
|
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10–20
|
4
|
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30–50
|
2.5
|
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>60
|
0
|
|
Oral Intake
|
|
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Mouthfuls or less
|
2.5
|
|
Reduced but more than mouthfuls
|
1
|
|
Normal
|
0
|
|
Edema
|
|
|
Present
|
1
|
|
Absent
|
0
|
|
Dyspnea at rest
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|
|
Present
|
3.5
|
|
Absent
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0
|
|
Delirium
|
|
|
Present
|
4
|
|
Absent
|
0
|
Scoring
PPI score > 6 = survival shorter than 3 weeks
PPI score >4 = survival shorter than 6 weeks
PPI score ≤4 = survival more than 6weeks
Reprinted from Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Vol. 35, No. 6, Stone, C., Tierman, E., & Dooley, B., Prospective Validation of the Palliative Prognostic Index in Patients with Cancer, 617–622, Copyright (2008), with permission from Elsevier.
Clinical Management
End-of-Life Care During the Last Days and Hours
Sample Tools