Video

Using the BARF Scale to Measure Nausea

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

Related Videos
Daniel Jernazian, who beat cancer twice, credits his sports mindset for survival and calls it winning his ‘life World Championship’.
Patients in rural or underserved areas may have worse outcomes, highlighting the need for early support to address care access barriers.
Image of man with text.
Dr. Emre Yekedüz discusses how ASCO 2025 highlights precision medicine, biomarkers and the gut microbiome as keys to advancing kidney cancer care.
Dr. Breelyn Wilky stresses the importance of expert guidance and second opinions for patients with GIST, as treatment options continue to evolve rapidly.
Mark Daniels, 83, credits CAR T-cell therapy and compassionate care for helping him overcome lymphoma and endure the isolating treatment toll.
An early study of BGB-16673 for hard-to-treat leukemia found that side effects were manageable with no new safety concerns.
Image of woman with text.
Image of goy, and text.
Watch oncology dietitian Kenisha Parikh prepare creamy lentil soup, a soothing, protein-packed recipe to help ease side effects during treatment.
Related Content