Jun Hamano1, Yoshiyuki Kizawa2, Takami Maeno3, Hiroka Nagaoka4, Yasuo Shima5, Tetsuhiro Maeno3. 1. Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan junhamano@md.tsukuba.ac.jp. 2. Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan. 3. Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan. 4. Department of General Medicine and Primary Care, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan. 5. Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan.
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.
AIMS: This study aimed to prospectively clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancerpatients in home care settings. METHOD: The study included 66 advanced cancerpatients 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 cancerpatients 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.