Prognostication Tools in Older Hospitalized Adults for Identification of Patients with Potential Palliative Care Needs: A Review of Three Instruments

Abstract

This paper explores the critical role of prognostication tools in identifying high-risk hospitalized older adults who may benefit from palliative care. With an ageing population and increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses, the demand for patient-centered healthcare is paramount. The study evaluates three key tools—the Palliative Performance Scale, CARING criteria, and Palliative Care Rapid Emergency Screening tool. Each tool is analyzed for its psychometric properties, advantages, and limitations. Despite their strengths and limitations, these tools emerge as crucial screening tools for identifying older adults at heightened mortality risk within one year of hospital admission. Our paper calls for ongoing research to adapt and validate existing tools, ensuring their applicability across diverse clinical settings and patient populations.