Use of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale in Palliative Care: A Rasch Evaluation Study

Context: Studies have shown that family carers who feel more prepared for the caregiver role tend to have more favorable experiences. Valid and reliable methods are needed to identify family carers who may be less prepared for the role of supporting a person who needs palliative care.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the original English version and a Swedish version of the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS).

Methods: The sample (n = 674) was taken from four different intervention studies from Australia and Sweden, all focused on improving family carers' feelings of preparedness. Family carers of patients receiving palliative home care were selected, and baseline data were used. The measurement properties of the PCS were evaluated using the Rasch model.

Results: Both the English and Swedish versions of the PCS exhibit sound measurement properties according to the Rasch model. The items in the PCS captured different levels of preparedness. The response categories were appropriate and corresponded to the level of preparedness. No significant differential item functioning for age and sex was detected. Three items demonstrated differential item functioning by language but did not impact interpretation of scores. Reliability was high (>0.90) according to the Person Separation Index.

Conclusion: The PCS is valid for use among family carers in palliative care. Data provide support for its use across age and gender groups as well as across the two language versions.