Summary
The Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (QoR-15) is a validated, patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to assess how well a person is recovering in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery and anesthesia. Unlike traditional medical metrics that focus on "negative" outcomes (like infection or death), the QoR-15 focuses on the patient’s perspective of their well-being across five distinct areas of health. How the Tool WorksThe scale consists of 15 simple questions that a patient answers by picking a number from 0 to 10. It is intentionally brief, taking most patients less than 3 minutes to complete. 1. The Five Dimensions of RecoveryThe tool doesn't just ask about pain; it captures a holistic view of the patient's state through:Pain: Severity of moderate and severe pain.Physical Comfort: Issues like nausea, vomiting, and quality of sleep.Physical Independence: Ability to wash, dress, and look after oneself.Psychological Support: Feeling supported by hospital staff and family.Emotional State: Levels of anxiety, depression, and general "well-being." 2. The Scoring LogicWellness Items (10 Questions): For things like "feeling rested" or "breathing easily," a 10 is the best possible score.Symptom Items (5 Questions): For "bad" things like "nausea" or "pain," the score is reversed. A patient’s reported 10 (high pain) becomes a 0 for the final score, while a reported 0 (no pain) becomes a 10.Final Result: All points are added up for a total between 0 and 150. Why It Is UsedThe QoR-15 is considered the "gold standard" in perioperative research because it is:Valid & Reliable: It consistently measures what it’s supposed to and gives similar results if a patient’s condition hasn’t changed.Sensitive to Change: It can detect even small improvements or declines in a patient’s condition (the "6-point rule").Predictive: Patients who score below 90 are statistically more likely to have complications later in their recovery or require readmission to the hospital. Summary of Interpretation ScoreMeaningAction Level136–150ExcellentRoutine care; preparing for discharge.122–135GoodExpected recovery trajectory.90–121ModeratePotential issues; monitor closely.< 90PoorRed Flag: High risk; requires clinical intervention. Additional alerts will appear. ResultDescriptionBreathing Difficulty < 5 ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Severe Pain < 3ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Moderate Pain < 3ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Psychological Distress - "Feeling worried/anxious" < 3 pts AND "Feeling sad/depressed" < 3 ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Your doctor may screen you for cognitive decline or significant psychological stress and may offer consultation for social work or spiritual care.Nausea / Vomiting < 5Immediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Well-being OR Control < 3 ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Your doctor may screen you for cognitive decline or significant psychological stress and may offer consultation for social work or spiritual care. Physical Independence < 3 ptsContact your medical team.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Medical Support < 5 ptsContact your medical team.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Food Intake < 2 ptsImmediately contact your medical team or seek emergency care.Report any new or concerning symptoms to your medical team.Anxiety < 3 ptsFeelings of overwhelm can be normal after surgery.However, it is important to contact your healthcare team and consider further evaluation.Your doctor may screen you for cognitive decline or significant psychological stress and may offer consultation for social work or spiritual care.Sadness < 3 ptsFeelings of overwhelm can be normal after surgery.However, it is important to contact your healthcare team and consider further evaluation.Your doctor may screen you for cognitive decline or significant psychological stress and may offer consultation for social work or spiritual care. Note: You have the option to override the alert tags of the results in your account's admin feature. Additionally, you have the option to clone this tool and modify it to your clinic specifications.