palliative

IPOS — Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale

10-symptom + 7-other-concern self/staff palliative outcome measure (Murtagh 2019). Each item 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Total 0–68. Use to track symptom burden over time and trigger interventions.

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*

Other concern — patient anxiety/worry*

Other concern — family anxiety/worry*

Other concern — feeling depressed*

Other concern — feeling at peace*

Other concern — sharing feelings*

Other concern — information needs met*

Other concern — practical problems addressed*

Score interpretation

Mild burden 0–13

→ Continue current management; review at next routine palliative encounter.

Moderate burden 14–33

→ Address top three items (highest scores). Engage MDT (clinical nurse specialist, OT, social work, chaplain). Reassess in 1 week.

Severe burden 34–68

→ Urgent SPC review. Review opioid/anti-emetic/laxative regimen; consider syringe driver. Family meeting; advance care planning / ReSPECT if not done; consider hospice admission.

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 Module) · 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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