The Development and Testing of a Chemotherapy-Induced Phlebitis Severity (CIPS) Scale for Patients Receiving Anthracycline Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Abstract

A chemotherapy induced phlebitis severity (CIPS) scale was developed in patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy for breast cancer. A five-point severity scoring scale for chemotherapy-induced phlebitis was tested for inter-rater reliability. Ease of use was observed through timing assessments and a review of the completeness of documentation. A comparison of CIPS scale grade with participant reported severity scores was made. The final version was tested for inter-rater reliability, with 122 patient assessments. There was an 89.3% (109 of 122) agreement between the assessors (κ = 0.82, SE ± 0.042, 95% CI 0.74–0.90). Mean time to complete the scale was 1 min 36 s and documentation was fully completed for 98% of assessments. Patient reported severity closely matched the CIPS grade (κ = 0.54, SE ± 0.045, 95% CI 0.46–0.63). This new scale provides a list of symptoms associated with chemotherapy phlebitis, which can be scored quickly and accurately. It provides a reliable method for assessing chemotherapy-induced phlebitis, enabling a better understanding of its impact on patients’ quality of life, and to inform the appropriate choice of peripheral or central intravenous administration. Multicentre testing of the CIPS scale is recommended.

Observational Study to Assesses the Efficacy and Safety of Microcurrent Therapy with a Portable Device in Patients Suffering from Chronic Back Pain, Skeletal System Pain, Fibromyalgia, Migraine or Depression

“…Pain Scores were assessed by three 10-point Likert scales (average pain, maximal pain, current pain). 87 , 88 The assessment is carried out by the patients themselves. Pain scores were evaluated at each study visit starting with the baseline visit according to the following verbal descriptive endpoints of the scale:…”

“…Pain Assessment Score (Valid for Chronic Back Pain and Skeletal System Pain) Pain Scores were assessed by three 10-point Likert scales (average pain, maximal pain, current pain). 87,88 The assessment is carried out by the patients themselves. Pain scores were evaluated at each study visit starting with the baseline visit according to the following verbal descriptive endpoints of the scale: 0 = no pain at all; 10 = unbearable pain Severity of Migraine Assessment (MiDAS; Only Valid for the Indication "Migraine")…”