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Computerized Adaptive Testing System of Functional Assessment of Stroke
Published on: January 7, 2019
A Systematic Review of Psychometric Instruments Used to Measure Stroke Family Caregiver Health
Cleopatra Kum1, Natalie Kreitzer2, Holly J Jones3
1Cleopatra Kum, Elaine L. Miller, Atiphat Promsombut, Tamilyn Bakas, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH.
Summary
Stroke caregivers often neglect their health. This review examines health measurement tools, finding existing instruments useful but requiring careful selection and interpretation for stroke family caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke family caregivers experience poorer health outcomes compared to non-caregivers.
- Caregiver health is often overlooked due to caregiving demands.
- Existing research uses diverse instruments to assess stroke caregiver health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychometric instruments used for measuring stroke caregiver health.
- To assess the relevance of these instruments.
- To identify measurement gaps and provide recommendations for future research and practice.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search guided by PRISMA guidelines.
- Inclusion of peer-reviewed studies from January 2000 to October 2025.
- Analysis of psychometric instruments used in stroke family caregiving research.
Main Results:
- 39 studies met inclusion criteria.
- Frequently used instruments include SF-36, EuroQol, BCOS, WHOQoL-Bref, Unhealthy Days Measure, and SIP.
- The Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) is caregiver-specific but does not measure healthy behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Current health measurement instruments are valuable for stroke caregivers.
- Awareness of instrument strengths and limitations is crucial for selection and interpretation.
- Further research may be needed to address identified measurement gaps.
