palliative

POS-S — Palliative Care Outcome Scale (Symptom Module)

11-symptom palliative outcome scale (Hearn 1999). Each symptom 0 (none) to 4 (overwhelming). Total 0–44.

Pain*

Shortness of breath*

Weakness/fatigue*

Nausea*

Vomiting*

Poor appetite*

Constipation*

Sore/dry mouth*

Drowsiness*

Poor mobility*

Insomnia*

Score interpretation

Mild burden 0–8

→ Continue current symptom plan. Review in 1–2 weeks.

Moderate burden 9–22

→ Address top symptoms — pharmacological + non-pharmacological. CNS palliative review; psychosocial input.

Severe symptom burden 23–44

→ Urgent SPC review; consider syringe driver, multi-modal analgesia, anxiolytics; address spiritual/existential distress; family meeting.

Interpretation bands for the POS-S. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

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