Prospective Clarification of the Utility of the Palliative Prognostic Index for Patients With Advanced Cancer in the Home Care Setting

Abstract

Aims:

This study aimed to prospectively clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancer patients in home care settings.

Method:

The study included 66 advanced cancer patients who received home visiting services between April 2010 and June 2012, and who died at home or in the hospital. Using medical records from initial home visits, we prospectively calculated PPI scores along with sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction showed respective sensitivities of 60% and 70.6%, and specificities of 87.0% and 71.9%.

Conclusion:

The sensitivity of the PPI for advanced cancer patients in home care settings was lower than that reported for patients in palliative care units. Development of prognostic tools suitable for home care settings is needed.

Keywords

palliative prognostic index patients with advanced cancer home care setting prospective study prognostic prediction palliative care

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