Table 3 Description of Efficacy Safety Score (ESS) as revised after pilot-study and Delphi-process
Mental status | Score |
Awake and alert patient | 0 |
Awake patient, but influenced by drugs. Difficulties in communication. | 5 |
Acutely confused, upset/uneasy, hallucinated or euphoric patient | 10 |
Unresponsive patient | 15* |
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) status | |
No postoperative nausea or vomiting | 0 |
Postoperative nausea only | 5 |
Postoperative nausea and vomiting/retching | 10 |
Pain status at rest | |
No postoperative pain | 0 |
Low intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 1–3) | 1–3 |
Moderate intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 4–6) | 4–6 |
Severe intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 7–10) | 7–10 |
Pain status during movement | |
No postoperative pain | 0 |
Low intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 1–3) | 1–3 |
Moderate intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 4–6) | 4–6 |
Severe intensity postoperative pain (VNRS 7–10) | 7–10 |
General condition status | |
No remarks | 0 |
Minor discomfort (e.g. light-headedness, minor itching, blurred vision, decreased urination etc.) | 5 |
Excessive discomfort (e.g. severe dizziness, itching, restlessness, urine retention, sensation of cold/warmth, cold sweating) | 10 |
Acute circulatory abnormalities (blood pressure ≤80 or ≥200 mmHg, heart rate ≤40 or > 110) | 15* |
Acute respiratory abnormalities (dyspnoea, respiration rate < 9 or >20/min, long pauses in breathing, shallow breathing) | 15* |