PHASE-20 in English

Older people who use multiple medications may easily develop adverse drug effects. PHASE-20 is a rating scale used to identify symptoms in the older person that may be related to the medical treatment, for example side effects, interactions and inappropriate dosage (Hedström, Lidström & Hulter Åsberg, 2009). PHASE-20 is currently used in most county councils in Sweden in connection with medication reviews. The tool consists of 19 symptoms or groups of symptoms which have been identified as common in relation to adverse drug effects in older persons, and an additional open question.

PHASE-20 is developed for use among older people who are able to cooperate in the assessment at least partly. The original version is primarily intended for use in nursing homes. An RN or a carer assists the resident in completion of the document.

PHASE-20 also comes in a version for use in outpatient care in which patient instructions on how to complete the document is provided on the back of the form.

PHASE-Proxy is used to draw attention to symptoms that may be related to medical treatment in individuals who can not participate in the assessment due to advanced stage of dementia or other disability, and are therefore dependent on others to assess their condition (Hedström, Carlsson, Ekman, Gillespie, Mörk & Hulter Åsberg 2016).

The trademark of PHASE-20 and PHASE-Proxy is protected by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (reg nr 0403318; 519267). They can be used freely in Sweden, but may not be changed. Contact us for use outside Sweden.