Measuring family perceived involvement in individualized long-term care

Abstract

Although family involvement is considered an important aspect of care for residents with dementia in long-term care facilities, measurement is lacking. The purpose of this study is to present a multi-item reliable measurement instrument assessing family perceived involvement. Literature reviews, observations within facilities, iterative consultations with an expert panel and extensive pilot testing of items for family perceived involvement were undertaken, to establish face and content validity. Two scales were developed: family perceived involvement and family assessment of importance of their involvement in individualized care for their resident relative. Strong evidence of face and content validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were established for both scales. Short versions of the original scales were derived via factor analysis. These instruments provide researchers and facilities with the ability to measure both degree of family perceived involvement and the importance the family places on that involvement using a relatively brief set of statements.