A review of instruments developed to measure outcomes for carers of people with mental health problems
Authors:
Harvey, K., Catty, J., Langman, A., Winfield, H., Clement, S., Burns, E., White, S., and Burns, T.
Abstract:
Objective: Community-based care for mental disorders places considerable burden on families and carers. Measuring their experiences has become a priority, but there is no consensus on appropriate instruments. We aimed to review instruments carers consider relevant to their needs and assess evidence for their use. Method: A literature search was conducted for outcome measures used with mental health carers. Identified instruments were assessed for their relevance to the outcomes identified by carers and their psychometric properties. Results: Three hundred and ninety two published articles referring to 241 outcome measures were identified, 64 of which were eligible for review (used in three or more studies). Twenty-six instruments had good psychometric properties; they measured (i) carers' well-being, (ii) the experience of caregiving and (iii) carers' needs for professional support. Conclusion: Measures exist which have been used to assess the most salient aspects of carer outcome in mental health. All require further work to establish their psychometric properties fully.
DOI:
Journal:
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
issn:
Publication year:
2008
pages:
164-176
Symptom status:
Emotional state Physical state
Functional status:
Cognitive/mental functioning
Age:
Adults (18-65) Seniors (65+)
Disease:
Mental and behavioural disorders and related symptoms
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