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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale modified for palliative care inpatients (RASS-PAL): a pilot study exploring validity and feasibility in clinical practice

Authors: Shirley H Bush, Pamela A Grassau, Michelle N Yarmo, Tinghua Zhang, Samantha J Zinkie, José L Pereira

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), which assesses level of sedation and agitation, is a simple observational instrument which was developed and validated for the intensive care setting. Although used and recommended in palliative care settings, further validation is required in this patient population. The aim of this study was to explore the validity and feasibility of a version of the RASS modified for palliative care populations (RASS-PAL).

Methods

A prospective study, using a mixed methods approach, was conducted. Thirteen health care professionals (physicians and nurses) working in an acute palliative care unit assessed ten consecutive patients with an agitated delirium or receiving palliative sedation. Patients were assessed at five designated time points using the RASS-PAL. Health care professionals completed a short survey and data from semi-structured interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient range of the RASS-PAL was 0.84 to 0.98 for the five time points. Professionals agreed that the tool was useful for assessing sedation and was easy to use. Its role in monitoring delirium however was deemed problematic. Professionals felt that it may assist interprofessional communication. The need for formal education on why and how to use the instrument was highlighted.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary validity evidence for the use of the RASS-PAL by physicians and nurses working in a palliative care unit, specifically for assessing sedation and agitation levels in the management of palliative sedation. Further validity evidence should be sought, particularly in the context of assessing delirium.
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Metadata
Title
The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale modified for palliative care inpatients (RASS-PAL): a pilot study exploring validity and feasibility in clinical practice
Authors
Shirley H Bush
Pamela A Grassau
Michelle N Yarmo
Tinghua Zhang
Samantha J Zinkie
José L Pereira
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-684X-13-17

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