What are the limitations of the distress thermometer?

While the distress thermometer is highly validated, it should not replace clinical judgment. OpiCalc provides the latest evidence-based limitations for the distress thermometer to ensure safe bedside use and optimal diagnostic accuracy.

How does the distress thermometer compare to other PalliativeCare scores?

The distress thermometer is a gold-standard diagnostic tool. OpiCalc provides side-by-side clinical guidance to help clinicians choose the most specific evidence-based tool for their patient's presentation.

Is the distress thermometer free to use?

Yes. OpiCalc provides the distress thermometer completely ad-free and optimized for mobile bedside use, ensuring you can calculate medical risk swiftly and without distraction.

OpiCalc

927 Clinical Tools

Distress Thermometer

Single-item distress screening tool (0–10 scale) + problem checklist.

Distress Level (0–10)

No distressWorst possible

Guidelines & Evidence

Clinical Details

Section 1

When to Use

Rapid screening for psychosocial distress in cancer and palliative populations

Identification of patients requiring supportive oncology/psychosocial referral

Problem checklist administration for those screening positive

Integration into routine supportive care workflows

Section 2

Formula & Logic

Scale Structure

Single-item visual analogue scale (0–10 "thermometer") + problem checklist for those scoring ≥ 4 covering practical, family, emotional, spiritual, and physical concerns.

Scoring

0–3	No significant distress
≥ 4	Clinically significant distress; administer problem checklist
8–10	Severe distress; urgent evaluation recommended

Section 3

Pearls/Pitfalls

Key Advantages

Extremely brief; takes < 1 minute to administer

NCCN endorsed for routine screening

Problem checklist identifies specific support needs

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

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Palliative Prognostic Index

Palliative Prognostic

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Menten Score

Edmonton Symptom Assessment System

IPOS

Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale

Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose

Opioid Risk Tool

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