A review of instruments developed to measure outcomes for carers of people with mental health problems

Harvey, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6819-0934, Catty, J., Langman, A., Winfield, H., Clement, S., Burns, E., White, S. and Burns, T. (2008) A review of instruments developed to measure outcomes for carers of people with mental health problems. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 117 (3). pp. 164-176. ISSN 0001-690X doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.01148.x

Abstract/Summary

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.