Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)
Measures functional status and prognosis in palliative care patients. Modified Karnofsky scale adapted for end-of-life care. Score 10–100% in 10% increments.
Score interpretation
Functional — reduced activity but largely independent.
→ Palliative care planning. Symptom management. Maintain function. Anticipated median survival months–years.
Increasing dependence — transitional phase.
→ Care needs assessment. Community palliative care. Advanced care planning. Median survival weeks–months.
End of life — significant decline.
→ Comfort-focused care. Preferred place of care/death discussion. Syringe driver if oral route lost. Chaplaincy/spiritual support. Median survival days–weeks.
Interpretation bands for the PPS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Anderson F et al. Palliative performance scale (PPS): a new tool. J Palliat Care. 1996;12(1):5-11.
- Lau F et al. A systematic review of using the palliative performance scale in palliative care research. J Palliat Care. 2006;22(3):166-174.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.