General indicators of deteriorating health based on Supportive and Palliative Indicators Tool (March 2014 version) (content reproduced with permission of the developers)
| Indicator | Description |
| Persistent symptoms | Persistent troublesome symptoms despite optimal treatment of any underlying condition(s) |
| Poor function | Performance status poor or deteriorating with limited reversibility (needs help with personal care, in bed or chair for 50% or more of the day) |
| Dependent on others | Dependent on others for most care needs (living in residential care or receiving high level of care at home) |
| Multiple admissions | Two or more unplanned admissions in the previous 6 months |
| Weight loss | Weight loss (5%–10%) over the past 3–6 months and/or body mass index<20 |
| Requesting palliative care | Patient requests supportive and palliative care or treatment withdrawal |