Video

Using the BARF Scale to Measure Nausea

Author(s):

Elizabeth Davis, B.S.N., RN, CPN

One oncology nurse developed the BARF scale so her young patients could better communicate how they were feeling.

Elizabeth Davis, B.S.N., RN, CPN, an oncology nurse at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and finalist of the 2018 Extraordinary Healer Award, explains her BARF scale to measure and more accurately treat patients’ nausea that was implemented hospital-wide.

BARF stands for Baxter Animated Retching Faces, and includes a pictorial scale of images ranging from not nauseated at all to extremely nauseated, that helps children explain to their care teams how they are feeling.

Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Subscribe Now!
Related Videos
Image of a woman wearing a headband and glasses
Image of man.
Image of doctor.
CURE spoke with Andy Guinigundo to discuss the role that biomarkers play for patients with breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, although potential explanations for the cause of this trend are likely years away.
Dr. Valerie Lee discussed emerging targeted therapies and personalized medicine approaches that are showing promise for those with gastrointestinal cancer.
Image of doctor.
Although late-stage kidney cancer generated poor survival rates for over two decades, significant progress is being made in the treatment of the disease.
Related Content
CURE spoke with Dr. Michael K. Wong and Dr. Diwakar Davar about the use of ctDNA for patients with melanoma, and where the field may be headed.
April 11th 2025

What Role May ctDNA Have in Melanoma Management?

Dr. Michael K. Wong
CURE spoke with Dr. Michael K. Wong and Dr. Diwakar Davar about the use of ctDNA for patients with melanoma, and where the field may be headed.
cancer horizons logo: a white microphone on a navy blue background
March 11th 2024

Oncology Approvals, Psychological Outcomes for Survivors and an Ovarian Cancer Vaccine

Alex Biese Brielle Benyon
Last week we saw some FDA approvals come through, as well as research that explored the psychosocial outcomes of individuals who survived pediatric rhabdosarcoma.
Image of people.
April 9th 2025

Early Intervention and Screening Prevents Lymphedema After Cancer

Ryan Scott
Dr. Sheri Yolanda Prentiss discusses lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment and shares resources that exist for patients coping with this condition.
cancer horizons podcast logo: a white microphone on a blue background
March 4th 2024

Cannabis Talks During Cancer, Cardiometabolic Comorbidities and Current Research

Alex Biese Brielle Benyon
In addition to a breakthrough therapy designation for a lung cancer drug, this week we’ll be talking a lot about additional side effects and health conditions that may come with a cancer diagnosis, and how to manage them.
Image of money.
April 3rd 2025

Survey Findings Reveal Financial Challenges in Patients with Cancer

Ryan Scott
Among patients with cancer, high out-of-pocket costs were found to impact access to health care, adherence to medication, as well as quality of life.
image of dr. Lillian Siu.
April 3rd 2025

Breaking Down Early Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Dr Lillian Siu
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and it is important to be aware of early signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as when to seek care.