ECOG performance status
Also written as: ECOG — Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale measuring patient functional status and quality of life.
Full Definition
The ECOG performance status is a standardized way to measure how a patient's disease affects their daily living abilities and determines appropriate treatment options. The scale ranges from 0 (fully active) to 5 (dead), with intermediate levels describing progressive limitation of activity. In surgical critical care, ECOG status helps assess surgical candidacy, predict outcomes, and guide goals of care discussions. It is particularly relevant when caring for oncologic patients or those with chronic debilitating conditions requiring intensive care.
Usage
Usage note: Express as a number from 0-5, not as a percentage.
In Context
- "The patient's ECOG performance status of 3 indicated significant limitation of self-care." — Preoperative assessment
- "Goals of care were discussed given the patient's declining ECOG performance status." — Family meeting note