The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (DRAFT)

The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) consists of eight common symptoms presented as visual analog scales ranging from 0 to 100mm. Patients score the ESAS independently where possible; the scores are summed to form an overall distress score and graphed to create a longitudinal visual representation of symptom burden. This study describes the use of the ESAS for patients with advanced cancer (n = 101) admitted to a palliative care unit in Edmonton, Canada. The ESAS was completed twice daily. In 84% of cases, patients completed the ESAS independently initially; 83% ultimately required nurse or family member completion as the patient’s clinical status deteriorated. Distress scores improved over time following admission (mean at Day 1 410+/–95, falling to 362+/–83 by Day 5). There were significant differences between patient, nurse, and family member distress scores. This paper demonstrates for the first time the routine clinical utility of the ESAS.