The palliative performance scale applied in high-care residential hospice: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is a tool that is widely used to predict end of life. In Ontario, Canada, the PPS is used to mark the terminal phase of life and eligibility for terminal care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to confirm that a PPS level of 40% can be used as a marker for the terminal phase of life. METHOD: PPS levels from 78 patients were calculated based on the intake reports made at admission to an inpatient hospice. RESULTS: Although 77 patients passed away within a period of 3 months, PPS levels at admission varied from 10% to 70%. Fifty-six percent of all patients had a PPS level of 40% or less. Regarding survival, three significant PPS profiles, consisting of two or more PPS levels could be distinguished.