A Patient‐Reported Outcome Instrument to Assess Symptom Burden and Predict Survival in Patients with Advanced Cancer: Flipping the Paradigm to Improve Timing of Palliative and End‐of‐Life Discussions and Reduce Unwanted Health Care Costs

Background Discussions regarding palliative care and end‐of‐life care issues are frequently delayed past the time of usefulness, resulting in unwanted medical care. We sought to develop a patient‐reported outcome (PRO) instrument that allows patients to voice their symptom burdens and facilitate timing of discussions. Subjects, Materials, and Methods A seven‐item PRO instrument (Cota Patient Assessed Symptom Score‐7 item [CPASS‐7]) covering physical performance status, pain, burden, and depression was administered (September 2015 through October 2016) with correlation to overall survival, correcting for time to complete survey since diagnosis. Results A total of 1,191 patients completed CPASS‐7 at a median of 560 days following the diagnosis of advanced cancer. Of these patients, 49% were concerned that they could not do the things they wanted; 35% reported decreased performance status. Financial toxicity was reported by 39% of patients, with family burdens noted in 25%. Although depression was reported by 15%, 43% reported lack of pleasure. Pain was reported by 33%. The median CPASS‐7 total symptom burden score was 16 (possible 0–112). With a median follow‐up of 15 months from initial survey, 46% had died. Patients with symptom burden scores