The BARF Project: A Pilot Study Using the BARF Scale to Assess CINV in Children

The BARF Project: A Pilot Study Using the BARF Scale to Assess CINV in Children

In this pilot study, the Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) Scale will be used to assess chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the pediatric cancer population during chemotherapy admissions, and the corresponding administration of anti-emetic medications will be reviewed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with cancer of any kind.
• Patients receiving inpatient chemotherapy at SLCH on the general pediatric oncology service
• Patients admitted for a course of inpatient chemotherapy scheduled to last at least 24 hours and but no more than 7 days.
• Patients who have received any prior cancer treatment, including radiation therapy, and/or surgery.
• Patients ages 4 to 12 years of age.
• Patient with a guardian who has the ability to understand English and the willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient who is not undergoing inpatient chemotherapy on the general pediatric oncology service, including patients undergoing chemotherapy as conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or other cellular therapy.
• Any patient who is receiving their first cycle of inpatient chemotherapy (however, they can be included during a future cycle).
• Any patient who is blind or unable to communicate by speaking or pointing.