Validation of the Simplified Palliative Prognostic Index Using a Single Item From the Communication Capacity Scale.

Context: Although the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) is a reliable and validated tool to predict the survival of terminally ill cancer patients, all clinicians cannot always precisely diagnose delirium.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of a simplified PPI. In the simplified PPI, a single item from the Communication Capacity Scale was substituted for the delirium item of the original.

The Accuracy of Physicians' Clinical Predictions of Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer.

Context: Accurate prognoses are needed for patients with advanced cancer.

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of physicians' clinical predictions of survival (CPS) and assess the relationship between CPS and actual survival (AS) in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care units, hospital palliative care teams, and home palliative care services, as well as those receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in 58 palliative care service centers in Japan.