Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM)

Abstract

The burden of illness is important for patients but complex and difficult to describe, let alone measure. A novel instrument is described that, according to preliminary data, measures what in German is termed Leidensdruck— the perceived burden of suffering due to illness. The mea-sure—Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM)—takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is unusual in relying only minimally on language. The PRISM is being developed as a research tool and has been used effectively in routine clinical practice. To illustrate the lat-ter application, three case vignettes are presented, demonstrating how the PRISM can enhance the patient's description and understanding of his/her illness and circumstances, facilitate pa-tient–clinician communication, and help to monitor salient changes with treatment.