palliative

IPOS — Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale

Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (Murtagh 2019): 10 physical symptoms plus 7 emotional, communication and practical items, each scored 0 (best) to 4 (worst); total 0–68. Used to track needs over time and to target the highest-scoring items.

Symptom — pain*

Symptom — shortness of breath*

Symptom — weakness or lack of energy*

Symptom — nausea*

Symptom — vomiting*

Symptom — poor appetite*

Symptom — constipation*

Symptom — sore or dry mouth*

Symptom — drowsiness*

Symptom — poor mobility*

Q3. Feeling anxious or worried about the illness or treatment*

Q4. Family or friends anxious or worried about the patient*

Q5. Feeling depressed*

Q6. Felt at peace*

Q7. Able to share feelings with family or friends as much as wanted*

Q8. Had as much information as wanted*

Q9. Practical problems from the illness addressed (e.g. financial, personal)*

Score interpretation

IPOS Total (0–68; higher = greater need) 0–68

No validated cut-offs exist for the IPOS total; use it to track change over time.

→ Address the highest-scoring items first with the MDT (clinical nurse specialist, OT, social work, chaplain); review symptom management; reassess regularly (e.g. weekly).

Interpretation bands for the IPOS. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

POS-S — Palliative care Outcome Scale (Symptom list) · Symptom Burden

Drugs

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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