A multicenter study comparing two numerical versions of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System in palliative care patients.
BACKGROUND
The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is a widely used, self-report symptom intensity tool for assessing nine common symptoms in palliative care, with ratings ranging from 0 (none, best) to 10 (worst). Based on a "think-aloud" study of 20 advanced cancer patients, the ESAS was revised (ESAS-r).


OBJECTIVE
To compare the consistency of patients' symptom ratings and obtain patient perspectives regarding ease of understanding and completion between the ESAS and ESAS-r.


METHODS
Cognitively intact patients (n=160) were recruited from eight palliative care sites in Canada and Switzerland, using cross-sectional sampling (20 per site). Consenting patients completed the ESAS, ESAS-r, and a structured interview. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess rating consistency.


RESULTS
In total, 1046 patients were screened. One hundred sixty were enrolled and evaluable (female 51%, median age 61 [range 34-92], lung cancer 26%, gastrointestinal cancer 22%). Mean ESAS scores ranged from 1.2 (nausea, standard deviation [SD] 2.1) to 4.3 (appetite, SD 3.3). ICCs ranged from 0.65 to 0.83, with lowest scores (<0.8) for drowsiness, appetite, and well-being. Although most patients rated both versions as very easy or easy to understand and complete, the ESAS-r was significantly easier to understand than the ESAS (P=0.008). Significantly, more patients preferred the ESAS-r (39%) than the ESAS (14%, P<0.001) because of its definitions, clarity, and format.


CONCLUSIONS
The ESAS-r retains core elements of the ESAS, with improved interpretation and clarity of symptom intensity assessment. It represents the next generation of ESAS development, with further validation recommended for drowsiness, appetite, and well-being.
Watanabe
Sharon M
SM
Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Sharon.Watanabe2@albertahealthservices.ca
Nekolaichuk
Cheryl
C
Beaumont
Crystal
C
Johnson
Laureen
L
Myers
Jeff
J
Strasser
Florian
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland