Validation of a breathing distress scale for Turkish palliative care patients

Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale in Adult Palliative Care Patients: A Turkish Version

Observational Istinye University · NCT06922292

This study is testing a new tool to help caregivers better understand breathing difficulties in Turkish palliative care patients who can't communicate clearly.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstinye University Academic / other
Locations1 site (İstanbul)
Trial IDNCT06922292 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate the Turkish version of the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS), a tool designed to assess dyspnea in patients who are unable to communicate due to cognitive impairment or sedation. The RDOS has been previously adapted into other languages but lacks a Turkish version. By evaluating the reliability and validity of this scale, the study seeks to improve the assessment of dyspnea in palliative care settings. The research will involve patients diagnosed with various respiratory conditions who are receiving palliative care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with specific respiratory conditions who are experiencing dyspnea and are in a palliative care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who are completely dependent on a ventilator or have central nervous system disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable tool for assessing dyspnea in non-communicative palliative care patients, leading to better management of their symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While the RDOS has been validated in other languages, this specific Turkish adaptation is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older,
* Diagnosed with lung or pleural cancer, chronic kidney failure, congestive heart failure, COPD, asthma, or pneumonia, and experiencing dyspnea,
* Specifically referred for treatment of dyspnea,
* Residing in a palliative care unit for at least 1 day,
* Willing to participate in the study, either personally or through consent from a family member.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Completely dependent on a ventilator,
* Diagnosed with a central nervous system disorder (Quadriplegia, Bulbar ALS).

Where this trial is running

İstanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DyspneaPalliative CareReliability and Validity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.