A pilot study to explore the feasibility, validity and reliability of a visual version of the CARE Measure

Abstract

Aim: Empathy is an essential component of any therapeutic encounter. The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure is a validated, reliable patient assessment of practitioners’ communication and relational empathy abilities. This study piloted a visual version of the CARE Measure for use by people with communication, cognition and/or literacy difficulties. Methods: A visual version of the CARE Measure was developed and piloted in two routine general practice settings with 42 patients, and in two rehabilitation settings with 13 patients who have communication difficulties while consulting with allied healthcare professionals. Results: The Visual CARE Measure performed well when compared to the standard measure as it had less of a ‘ceiling effect’ and showed less skew and kurtosis than the standard measure. The internal reliability of the Visual CARE Measure was high, and removal of any items resulted in a reduction in reliability. The number of ‘not applicable’ values overall was low, suggesting that the items in the measure were regarded by patients as relevant to their consultation. The Visual CARE Measure was reported to be very easy to understand, easy to complete and perceived as important. Conclusions: The Visual CARE Measure appears to perform well in comparison with the standard measure.