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Grönheit W, Brinksmeyer I, Kurlemann G, Wellmer J, Seliger C, Thoma P, Pertz M. Psychosocial burden in mothers with epilepsy and their caregiver: Feasibility and preliminary results of a digital screening procedure. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 159:110017. [PMID: 39216466 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.110017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing a digital procedure to screen for anxiety and depression as well as impairments in psychosocial aspects, such as social support, social activity and quality of life (QoL) in women with epilepsy (WWE) after childbirth. Furthermore, the study intends to digitally screen for burden of the respective caregivers in WWE compared to a healthy control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the post-partum period on 30 WWE and 33 healthy controls who gave birth between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Additionally, 24 caregivers of WWE and 26 caregivers of healthy mothers took part in this study. Information on psychosocial health and psychosocial burden was collected digitally using the short version of the Social Support Questionnaire, the Social Activity Self-Report Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The caregiver burden was digitally assessed with the Zarit Burden Scale in its German adaptation (i.e., Zarit Burden Interview and the Family Burden Questionnaire). Furthermore, QoL was assessed with the QOLIE-31 (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory) in WWE and with the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire in healthy controls. RESULTS When comparing WWE and healthy controls, the groups were comparable on psychosocial aspects, such as self-reported social support, anxiety, depression and social activity, when assessed with self-report measures in a digital screening procedure. Although not significantly different between groups, anxiety, depression, self-reported social support and social activity were correlated with overall QoL in both, WWE and healthy controls. Caregivers of WWE and healthy controls were neither significantly different in their objective burden nor in their subjective burden as reported in digitally applied self-report measures. CONCLUSION Although not significantly different between groups, given the correlation between psychosocial aspects and QoL, it is worthwhile to include these aspects in standard clinical screening extending beyond the screening of anxiety and depression in WWE. Overall, the preliminary psychosocial data presented in this study suggest that a digital assessment of psychosocial burden seems reasonable in WWE and warrants integration into further research and clinical practice. Nevertheless, since no significant differences concerning psychosocial aspects were found in the present study, one may argue that highly specialized clinical care, as provided in the present study, may counteract potential psychosocial impairment experienced by WWE who do not receive such specialized care. Hence, further investigations outside of specialized outpatient clinics as well as prospective investigations of subjective factors that may dynamically change during pregnancy ought to be addressed in clinical practice and research for improving care during and after pregnancy in WWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Grönheit
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Isabella Brinksmeyer
- Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Gerd Kurlemann
- Dept. of Neuropediatrics, Bonifatius Krankenhaus, Lingen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Wellmer
- Ruhr-Epileptology, Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Corinna Seliger
- Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Patrizia Thoma
- Neuropsychological Therapy Centre (NTC), Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Milena Pertz
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
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Göldel JM, Warschburger P. Validation of a German version of the caregiver strain questionnaire-short form 11 (CGSQ-SF11). BMC Psychol 2024; 12:386. [PMID: 38987850 PMCID: PMC11234714 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caring for a child, particularly one with special healthcare needs, is a demanding task that can lead to the experience of caregiver strain. This in turn has an effect on the caregiver's mental health, as well as on the child and his or her treatment. To enable the identification of afflicted parents, this study aims to provide a German version of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire-Short Form 11 (CGSQ-SF11) and to examine its factor structure and psychometric properties. METHODS Data from 698 caregivers were included in the analyses. Caregivers completed the CGSQ-SF11 along with measures of parenting stress (PSI-SF), stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), family-related quality of life (FLQ), and social desirability (SES-17) as additional instruments for validation. A two-week follow-up questionnaire included only the CGSQ-SF11. Exploratory factor analysis followed by a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for parents of children with and without special healthcare needs, separately. Further analyses examined the validity and reliability of the instrument. RESULTS For parents of children with special healthcare needs, a three-factor structure (objective, internalized subjective, externalized subjective strain) with a second-order factor (caregiver strain) was supported. For parents of children without special healthcare needs, a similar three-factor structure was found, although the second-order factor was not supported. Measurement invariance between the two groups was not confirmed. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity were largely supported in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the German version of the CGSQ SF-11 is a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring caregiver strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Göldel
- Department of Psychology, Counseling Psychology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Petra Warschburger
- Department of Psychology, Counseling Psychology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
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Domeisen Benedetti F, Hechinger M, Fringer A. Self-Assessment Instruments for Supporting Family Caregivers: An Integrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1016. [PMID: 38786426 PMCID: PMC11120749 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Family caregivers take on a variety of tasks when caring for relatives in need of care. Depending on the situation and the intensity of care, they may experience multidimensional burdens, such as physical, psychological, social, or financial stress. The aim of the present study was to identify and appraise self-assessment instruments (SAIs) that capture the dimensions of family caregivers' burdens and that support family caregivers in easily identifying their caregiving role, activities, burden, and needs. We performed an integrative review with a broad-based strategy. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, and mobile app stores in March 2020. After screening the records based on the eligibility criteria, we appraised the tools we found for their usefulness for family care and nursing practice. From a total of 2654 hits, 45 suitable SAIs from 274 records were identified and analyzed in this way. Finally, nine SAIs were identified and analyzed in detail based on further criteria such as their psychometric properties, advantages, and disadvantages. They are presented in multi-page vignettes with additional information for healthcare professionals. These SAIs have proven useful in assessing the dimensions of caregiver burden and can be recommended for application in family care and nursing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franzisca Domeisen Benedetti
- School of Health Professions, Institute of Nursing, ZHAW—Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland (A.F.)
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Weiss D, Ebersbach G, Möller JC, Schwarz J, Arlt C, Fritz B, Sensken SC, Eggert K. Do we start too late? Insights from the real-world non-interventional BALANCE study on the present use of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel in advanced Parkinson's disease in Germany and Switzerland. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2022; 103:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Nagel M, Weidner V, Schulz S, Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Schattenberg JM, Nguyen-Tat M, Wörns MA, Labenz C. Continued alcohol consumption and hepatic encephalopathy determine quality of life and psychosocial burden of caregivers in patients with liver cirrhosis. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:23. [PMID: 35135582 PMCID: PMC8822635 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01923-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with liver cirrhosis suffer from significantly reduced health-related quality of life and are often dependent on support from caregivers. In this context, caregivers often suffer from impaired quality of life (QoL) as well as psychosocial burden (PB). The aim of the present study was to identify factors influencing QoL and PB of caregivers in order to improve the social care of patients and caregivers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 106 patients with liver cirrhosis and their caregivers were included. (Health-related) QoL was surveyed in patients (CLDQ) and caregivers (SF-36) and PB was determined by Zarit Burden Interview. Results Alcohol related liver cirrhosis (55%) was the predominant etiology of liver cirrhosis and the median MELD of the cohort was 14. QoL did not differ between patients with and without alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (p = 0.6). In multivariable analysis, continued alcohol consumption (p = 0.020), a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (p = 0.010), poorer QoL of patients (p = 0.030) and poorer QoL of caregivers (p = 0.005) were associated with a higher PB of caregivers. Factors independently associated with poorer QoL of caregivers were continued alcohol consumption (p = 0.003) and a higher PB of caregivers (p = 0.030). Conclusion Caregivers of patients with liver cirrhosis suffer from impaired QoL and PB, especially in case of continued alcohol consumption or the occurrence of HE. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-01923-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nagel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. .,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. .,Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology, and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Beurhausstraße 40, 44137, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Weidner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sina Schulz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens U Marquardt
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Metabolic Liver Research Program, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marc Nguyen-Tat
- Medical Center Kempten, Department of Gastroenterology, Kempten, Germany
| | - Marcus-Alexander Wörns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology, and Endocrinology, Klinikum Dortmund, Beurhausstraße 40, 44137, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Labenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Cirrhosis Center Mainz (CCM), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Golla H, Dillen K, Hellmich M, Dojan T, Ungeheuer S, Schmalz P, Staß A, Mildenberger V, Goereci Y, Dunkl V, Strupp J, Fink GR, Voltz R, Stock S, Cornely O, Stahmann A, Müller A, Löcherbach P, Burghaus L, Limmroth V, Bonmann E, Gerbershagen K, Nelles G, Joist T, Haas J, Temmes H, Warnke C. Communication, Coordination, and Security for People with Multiple Sclerosis (COCOS-MS): a randomised phase II clinical trial protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e049300. [PMID: 35078833 PMCID: PMC8796263 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex needs that range from organising one's everyday life to measures of disease-specific therapy monitoring to palliative care. Patients with MS are likely to depend on multiple healthcare providers and various authorities, which are often difficult to coordinate. Thus, they will probably benefit from comprehensive cross-sectoral coordination of services provided by care and case management (CCM). Though studies have shown that case management improves quality of life (QoL), functional status and reduces service use, such benefits have not yet been investigated in severely affected patients with MS. In this explorative phase ll clinical trial, we evaluated a CCM with long-term, cross-sectoral and outreaching services and, in addition, considered the unit of care (patients and caregivers). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Eighty patients with MS and their caregivers will be randomly assigned to either the control (standard care) or the intervention group (standard care plus CCM (for 12 months)). Regular data assessments will be done at baseline and then at 3-month intervals. As primary outcome, we will evaluate patients' QoL. Secondary outcomes are patients' treatment-related risk perception, palliative care needs, anxiety/depression, use of healthcare services, caregivers' burden and QoL, meeting patients' and caregivers' needs, and evaluating the CCM intervention. We will also evaluate CCM through individual interviews and focus groups. The sample size calculation is based on a standardised effect of 0.5, and one baseline and four follow-up assessments (with correlation 0.5). Linear mixed models for repeated measures will be applied to analyse changes in quantitative outcomes over time. Multiple imputation approaches are taken to assess the robustness of the results. The explorative approach (phase ll clinical trial) with embedded qualitative research will allow for the development of a final design for a confirmative phase lll trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial will be conducted under the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Ethics Commission of Cologne University's Faculty of Medicine. Trial results will be published in an open-access scientific journal and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Register for Clinical Studies (DRKS) (DRKS00022771).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Golla
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kim Dillen
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Dojan
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Solveig Ungeheuer
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Schmalz
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (CTCC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angelika Staß
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (CTCC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vanessa Mildenberger
- Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology (IGKE), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yasemin Goereci
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Veronika Dunkl
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Strupp
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gereon R Fink
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Jülich, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (CTCC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stock
- Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology (IGKE), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Cornely
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (CTCC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Stahmann
- MS-Registry by the German MS-Society, MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Müller
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Löcherbach
- German Society for Care and Case Management (DGCC), Mainz, Germany
| | - Lothar Burghaus
- Department of Neurology, Heilig Geist-Krankenhaus Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Gereon Nelles
- NeuroMed Campus, MedCampus Hohenlind, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Joist
- Academic Teaching Practice, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Judith Haas
- German Multiple Sclerosis Society Federal Association (DMSG), Hannover, Germany
| | - Herbert Temmes
- German Multiple Sclerosis Society Federal Association (DMSG), Hannover, Germany
| | - Clemens Warnke
- Department of Neurology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
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Kohler M, Mullis J, Karrer M, Schwarz J, Saxer S. Effectiveness of a group-walking intervention for people with dementia based on quality of life and caregivers' burden. Nurs Open 2021; 8:3111-3119. [PMID: 34545697 PMCID: PMC8510748 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To test the effectiveness of a 28‐week group‐walking intervention for person with dementia. Participants were accompanied by trained volunteers. The effectiveness was assessed according to the quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, independence, mobility, cognition, challenging behaviours and the burden on their caregiving relatives. Design Quasi‐experimental, one‐group, pretest–posttest trial. Methods Thirty‐two persons with dementia and their caregiving relatives were recruited. The nursing intervention consists on easy walking tours lasting three and a half hours. The walks were performed biweekly and each person with dementia had support from one or two trained volunteer helpers. Results The quality of life was stable through all seasons. The secondary outcomes were uneven. While the impairment (WHODAS) and the dependence (IADL) increased, the challenging behaviours and the burden on the caregivers were stable through all seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrta Kohler
- Institute of Applied Nursing Science, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Mullis
- Institute of Applied Nursing Science, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Karrer
- Institute of Applied Nursing Science, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Schwarz
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Susi Saxer
- Institute of Applied Nursing Science, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Schischlevskij P, Cordts I, Günther R, Stolte B, Zeller D, Schröter C, Weyen U, Regensburger M, Wolf J, Schneider I, Hermann A, Metelmann M, Kohl Z, Linker RA, Koch JC, Stendel C, Müschen LH, Osmanovic A, Binz C, Klopstock T, Dorst J, Ludolph AC, Boentert M, Hagenacker T, Deschauer M, Lingor P, Petri S, Schreiber-Katz O. Informal Caregiving in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A High Caregiver Burden and Drastic Consequences on Caregivers' Lives. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060748. [PMID: 34200087 PMCID: PMC8228206 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive autonomy loss and need for care. This does not only affect patients themselves, but also the patients’ informal caregivers (CGs) in their health, personal and professional lives. The big efforts of this multi-center study were not only to evaluate the caregivers’ burden and to identify its predictors, but it also should provide a specific understanding of the needs of ALS patients’ CGs and fill the gap of knowledge on their personal and work lives. Using standardized questionnaires, primary data from patients and their main informal CGs (n = 249) were collected. Patients’ functional status and disease severity were evaluated using the Barthel Index, the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and the King’s Stages for ALS. The caregivers’ burden was recorded by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Comorbid anxiety and depression of caregivers were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, the EuroQol Five Dimension Five Level Scale evaluated their health-related quality of life. The caregivers’ burden was high (mean ZBI = 26/88, 0 = no burden, ≥24 = highly burdened) and correlated with patients’ functional status (rp = −0.555, p < 0.001, n = 242). It was influenced by the CGs’ own mental health issues due to caregiving (+11.36, 95% CI [6.84; 15.87], p < 0.001), patients’ wheelchair dependency (+9.30, 95% CI [5.94; 12.66], p < 0.001) and was interrelated with the CGs’ depression (rp = 0.627, p < 0.001, n = 234), anxiety (rp = 0.550, p < 0.001, n = 234), and poorer physical condition (rp = −0.362, p < 0.001, n = 237). Moreover, female CGs showed symptoms of anxiety more often, which also correlated with the patients’ impairment in daily routine (rs = −0.280, p < 0.001, n = 169). As increasing disease severity, along with decreasing autonomy, was the main predictor of caregiver burden and showed to create relevant (negative) implications on CGs’ lives, patient care and supportive therapies should address this issue. Moreover, in order to preserve the mental and physical health of the CGs, new concepts of care have to focus on both, on not only patients but also their CGs and gender-associated specific issues. As caregiving in ALS also significantly influences the socioeconomic status by restrictions in CGs’ work lives and income, and the main reported needs being lack of psychological support and a high bureaucracy, the situation of CGs needs more attention. Apart from their own multi-disciplinary medical and psychological care, more support in care and patient management issues is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Schischlevskij
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (I.C.); (M.D.); (P.L.)
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (B.S.); (T.H.)
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Carsten Schröter
- Hoher Meißner Clinic, Neurology, 37242 Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany;
| | - Ute Weyen
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, BG-Kliniken Bergmannsheil, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Joachim Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Diakonissen Hospital Mannheim, 68163 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Ilka Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Martin-Luther University Halle/Saale, 06120 Halle, Germany;
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Sankt Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany;
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Moritz Metelmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Zacharias Kohl
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (Z.K.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Ralf A. Linker
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (Z.K.); (R.A.L.)
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Claudia Stendel
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur Institute, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (C.S.); (T.K.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Lars H. Müschen
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Camilla Binz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur Institute, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (C.S.); (T.K.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 80336 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.D.); (A.C.L.)
| | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.D.); (A.C.L.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthias Boentert
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Department of Medicine, UKM Marienhospital, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (B.S.); (T.H.)
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (I.C.); (M.D.); (P.L.)
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (I.C.); (M.D.); (P.L.)
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Olivia Schreiber-Katz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (P.S.); (L.H.M.); (A.O.); (C.B.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Rimmele M, Wirth J, Britting S, Gehr T, Hermann M, van den Heuvel D, Kestler A, Koch T, Schoeffski O, Volkert D, Wingenfeld K, Wurm S, Freiberger E, Sieber C. Improvement of transitional care from hospital to home for older patients, the TIGER study: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e037999. [PMID: 33558344 PMCID: PMC7871673 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Germany, an efficient and feasible transition from hospital to home for older patients, ensuring continuous care across healthcare settings, has not yet been applied and evaluated. Based on the transitional care model (TCM), this study aims to reduce preventable readmissions of patients ≥75 years of age with a transitional care intervention performed by geriatric-experienced care professionals. The study investigates whether the intervention ensures continuous care during transition and stabilises the care situation of patients at home. METHODS AND ANALYSES Randomised controlled clinical trial, recruiting between 25 April 2018 and 31 December 2019 in one German hospital in the city of Regensburg. The intervention group is supported by care professionals in the transition process from hospital to home for up to 12 months. Based on TCM, the intervention includes an individual care plan according to a patient's symptoms, risks, needs and values. The plan is advanced in the domestic situation via personal visits and telephone contacts. All necessary care actions regarding, for example, mobility, residence adjustments, or nutrition, are initiated to be executed by ambulant care services, and are monitored, evaluated and adapted if necessary. In supervising the care plan, the care professionals do not administer active care services themselves but coordinate them. Patients and their caregivers are actively engaged in the care planning and execution. In contrast, the control group receives only usual discharge planning in the hospital and usual ambulatory care.The primary outcome is the all-cause readmission rate assessed using health insurance data within a follow-up of up to 12 months after hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes include care quality, mobility, nutritional and wound situation, and health-related quality of life. They are assessed at baseline, after 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and at the end of study visit. Additionally, the economic efficiency of the intervention will be evaluated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for the trial was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Results will be published in peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journals and disseminated at national and international research conferences and through public presentations in the geriatric and healthcare community. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03513159.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rimmele
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Jenny Wirth
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Britting
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Gehr
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
- St John of God Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Oliver Schoeffski
- Chair of Health Management, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Volkert
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wingenfeld
- Institute for Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Susanne Wurm
- Department of Social Medicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Community Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ellen Freiberger
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Cornel Sieber
- Institute for Biomedicine of Aging, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
- Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
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10
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Kühnel MB, Ramsenthaler C, Bausewein C, Fegg M, Hodiamont F. Validation of two short versions of the Zarit Burden Interview in the palliative care setting: a questionnaire to assess the burden of informal caregivers. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:5185-5193. [PMID: 32060707 PMCID: PMC7546983 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several validated outcome measures, among them the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), are valid for measuring caregiver burden in advanced cancer and dementia. However, they have not been validated for a wider palliative care (PC) setting with non-cancer disease. The purpose was to validate ZBI-1 (ultra-short version and proxy rating) and ZBI-7 short versions for PC. METHODS In a prospective, cross-sectional study with informal caregivers of patients in inpatient (PC unit, hospital palliative support team) and outpatient (home care team) PC settings of a large university hospital, content validity and acceptability of the ZBI and its structural validity (via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis) were tested. Reliability assessment used internal consistency and inter-rater reliability and construct validity used known-group comparisons and a priori hypotheses on correlations with Brief Symptom Inventory, Short Form-12, and Distress Thermometer. RESULTS Eighty-four participants (63.1% women; mean age 59.8, SD 14.4) were included. Structural validity assessment confirmed the unidimensional structure of ZBI-7 both in CFA and Rasch analysis. The item on overall burden was the best item for the ultra-short version ZBI-1. Higher burden was recorded for women and those with poorer physical health. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Inter-rater reliability was moderate as proxy ratings estimated caregivers' burden higher than self-ratings (average measures ICC = 0.51; CI = 0.23-.69; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The ZBI-7 is a valid instrument for measuring caregiver burden in PC. The ultra-short ZBI-1 can be used as a quick and proxy assessment, with the caveat of overestimating burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina B Kühnel
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Christina Ramsenthaler
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Fegg
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Farina Hodiamont
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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11
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Bramboeck V, Moeller K, Marksteiner J, Kaufmann L. Loneliness and Burden Perceived by Family Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer Disease. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2020; 35:1533317520917788. [PMID: 32281389 PMCID: PMC10624003 DOI: 10.1177/1533317520917788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study aimed at investigating loneliness and burden experienced by family members caring for relatives diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. METHODS Participants were 40 caregivers of inpatients with Alzheimer disease. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate whether caregivers' loneliness (uni- and multidimensional) and burden are associated with and predicted by (1) specific caregiver characteristics and/or (2) patients' dementia severity and neuropsychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Loneliness was significantly correlated with caregivers' sex, age, and living circumstances, while burden was significantly correlated with caregivers' education solely. Regression analyses revealed that caregivers' sex and living circumstances contributed significantly to variance explanation of loneliness (but not burden), while the additional consideration of patient variables did not improve model fit. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness reported by caregivers of relatives diagnosed with dementia is significantly modulated by caregiver (but not patient) characteristics. Notably, both uni- and multidimensional loneliness scales seem to be sensitive diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Bramboeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, General Hospital Hall, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Korbinian Moeller
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, General Hospital Hall, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Liane Kaufmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, General Hospital Hall, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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12
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Schätti-Stählin S, Koch C, Schneeberger AR, Nigg C. [In the Same Boat: How to Support Relatives of Patients with Dementia Using Diverse Interventions]. PRAXIS 2020; 109:265-269. [PMID: 32183655 DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the Same Boat: How to Support Relatives of Patients with Dementia Using Diverse Interventions Abstract. Caring for people with dementia has great psychological, physical, social, financial and spiritual effects on relatives. Support and counseling can contribute to an improved health of the relative, to the relationship with the dementia patient, as well as to better treatment (through shared decision-making/care planning) of the patient. This article reviews data from Switzerland and international studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Schätti-Stählin
- Psychiatrische Dienste Graubünden (PDGR) Klinik Beverin, Gerontopsychiatrie, La Nicca, Cazis
| | - Christian Koch
- Psychiatrische Dienste Graubünden (PDGR) Klinik Beverin, Gerontopsychiatrie, La Nicca, Cazis
| | - Andres R Schneeberger
- Psychiatrische Dienste Graubünden (PDGR) Klinik Beverin, Gerontopsychiatrie, La Nicca, Cazis
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13
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Ying J, Yap P, Gandhi M, Liew TM. Validity and Utility of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Detecting Depression in Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2019; 47:323-334. [PMID: 31307034 PMCID: PMC6878745 DOI: 10.1159/000500940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The psychometric properties of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) have never been substantively investigated in caregivers of persons with dementia (PwD). We evaluated the validity and reliability of CES-D for detecting caregiver depression in dementia, and assessed whether CES-D could provide added utility beyond Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). METHOD Family caregivers of community-dwelling PwD (n = 394) completed self-administered questionnaires containing CES-D. Factorial validity was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis; convergent and discriminant validity with Pearson's correlation coefficient; known-group validity by comparing across key variables; and internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's α. Cohen's κ was used to compare the agreement between those with depression (CES-D ≥16) and those with high caregiver burden (ZBI >60). RESULTS CES-D demonstrated convergent, discriminant and known-group validity, consistent with a priori hypotheses. The original four-factor model of CES-D produced the best model-fit indices. Internal consistency reliability was good for the CES-D total scale (α = 0.92), but lower for the Positive affect and Interpersonal problems subscales (α = 0.70-0.74). Forty-five percent of the caregivers had depression as identified by CES-D (95% CI 40-50%), but most of them were not identified by high ZBI scores (κ = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS CES-D is a valid and reliable scale for detecting caregiver depression in dementia. It has added utility, beyond that of a caregiver burden scale, in identifying a subgroup of caregivers with depression but not burden. However, two subscales (Positive affect and Interpersonal problems) may require caution in interpretation among non-Caucasian caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Ying
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Philip Yap
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore,Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tau Ming Liew
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore, .,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,
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14
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[Feasibility and effects of a psychotherapeutic group intervention for caregiving relatives of people with dementia]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2019; 52:641-647. [PMID: 30643963 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-018-01501-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) have a high burden and therefore are themselves at a high risk for psychiatric and somatic morbidities. Although individual psychotherapy has been shown to be a potentially effective treatment, it is rarely used by family caregivers. Possible reasons are poor accessibility and time restrictions on the side of the caregiver. AIM To test the efficacy of a short-term and low threshold psychotherapeutic group intervention for family caregivers of PwD with respect to mental stability of the caregivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from a 12-week psychotherapeutic group intervention (10 participants each in the intervention and control groups) were analyzed. Main topics of the intervention were: personal limits, dysfunctional thoughts, emotions and resource activation. Primary endpoints were an increase of perceived self-efficacy and reduction of depressive symptoms using SWE and ADS questionnaires before, directly and 3 months after the end of the intervention. RESULTS A gain in perceived self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance, whereas depressive symptoms showed a statistically significant increase in the intervention group over time compared to the control group. DISCUSSION The intervention did not reach its primary endpoints. Possible reasons are the fact that the group was highly heterogeneous with respect to dementia etiology and the low number of participants. The short duration of the intervention may have reduced the potential of the program to address all urgent needs of the participants.
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15
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Seibl-Leven M, von Reeken C, Goldbrunner R, Grau S, Ruge MI, Galldiks N, Dunkl V, Kocher M, Voltz R, Golla H. Clinical routine assessment of palliative care symptoms and concerns and caregiver burden in glioblastoma patients: an explorative field study. J Neurooncol 2018; 138:321-333. [PMID: 29464662 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-018-2800-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of self-reported outcome measurements into clinical routine was tested to help facilitate early access to palliative care (PC) for glioblastoma (GBM)-patients. Measures detail PC symptoms and concerns and caregiver burden. Between January 2014 and December 2016, a total of 337 GBM-patients were discussed during meetings of the neuro-oncology tumor board to examine further treatment options. Each patient, along with their caregivers, was requested to participate in self-assessment using the palliative outcome scale (POS) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Analyses encompassed summary statistics, non-parametric tests, visual graphic analysis, content analysis and assessing the utilization of the specialized PC consulting service (SPCCS). Ninety-five (28%) GBM-patients and 71 (21%) caregivers completed the self-assessment. Of these, 20 patients and 12 caregivers repeated the assessment at least once more during follow-up. POS total scores were similar in the group of patients with initial diagnosis [10 (0-31)] and those with later disease stages like recurrent diagnosis [9 (0-25)], but ZBI total scores differed [14 (0-51) vs. 24 (2-62)]. Single item analysis demonstrated that anxiety and worries about the future predominated. Caregivers were torn between high engagement in caring and feeling overburdened. Still, requests for the SPCCS showed no increase. Actual implementation of measures like POS and ZBI for detecting PC concerns and caregiver burden with GBM-patients in the field remains challenging as indicated by the limited response rate and lack of increased requests for the SPCCS. Modified clinical routines including strengthening awareness of PC, and allowing proxy-assessment might help to overcome barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Seibl-Leven
- Center of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian von Reeken
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland Goldbrunner
- Center of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Grau
- Center of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maximilian Ingolf Ruge
- Center of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norbert Galldiks
- Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Forschungszentrum Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Veronika Dunkl
- Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Kocher
- Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Clinical Trials, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Heidrun Golla
- Center of Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Cologne and Bonn, Cologne, Germany. .,Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
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16
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Berwig M, Heinrich S, Spahlholz J, Hallensleben N, Brähler E, Gertz HJ. Individualized support for informal caregivers of people with dementia - effectiveness of the German adaptation of REACH II. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:286. [PMID: 29233097 PMCID: PMC5728045 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0678-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individualized, outreach and structured multicomponent interventions are a promising intervention approach to relieve the burden of informal caregivers of people with dementia. In this study, we adapted and evaluated a multicomponent intervention (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health II, REACH II), which was developed in the USA, to the German health-care system. Therefore the project is called the German adaptation of REACH II (in German: Deutsche Adaptation der REACH II, DE-REACH). Methods The effectiveness of DE-REACH was examined in a randomized, controlled trial on 92 informal caregivers of people with dementia. The intervention comprised 12 individual two-weekly sessions (9 at home with the informal caregiver and 3 via telephone) and combined five modules. The reduction of the burden of the informal caregivers was chosen as the primary outcome. Results The results showed a great stabilizing effect of the intervention on caregiver burden (effect size d = 0.91), that is, comparing pre- and post-measurements the burden decreased very slightly in the intervention group whereas it increased very strongly in the control group. After a three-month follow-up period this effect decreased from a great to a moderate effect. There were also improvements as a result of the intervention in somatization, health-related psychological quality of life and the reaction of the informal caregivers in response to challenging behaviors of the relative with dementia. Moreover, the frequency of challenging behaviors of the affected person itself was reduced in favor of the intervention. Conclusion The findings of this study provide further evidence for the impact of multicomponent support interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia. Clinical trial registration NCT01690117. Registered September 17, 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Berwig
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. .,Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany. .,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - Site Witten, Witten, Germany. .,Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Heinrich
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jenny Spahlholz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Nina Hallensleben
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic and Policlinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gertz
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
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17
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Tang B, Yu Y, Liu Z, Lin M, Chen Y, Zhao M, Xiao S. Factor analyses of the Chinese Zarit Burden Interview among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in a rural Chinese community. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015621. [PMID: 28965090 PMCID: PMC5640094 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the Chinese version of the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in China. METHODS Using one-stage cluster-sampling design, 324 primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Ningxiang County, Hunan Province, China, completed the Zarit Burden Interview face-to-face. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was first performed based on existing models to check model fit. Owing to an unsatisfactory result of CFA, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was then conducted to explore a new factor structure, and a subsequent CFA was run to examine its model fit. RESULTS The CFA results showed that none of the existing models fit the data reasonably well. The EFA results suggested five dimensions: negative emotion (10 items), interpersonal relationship (4 items), time demand (3 items), patient's dependence (2 items) and self-accusation and guilt (2 items). The following CFA confirmed the five-factor solution in this study, and the goodness-of-fit for this model fell within the acceptable range. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.88, and the internal consistency coefficients of individual dimensions were 0.68 to 0.84. CONCLUSION This study supported a 22-item ZBI scale, with a five-factor structure when applied to Chinese caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingwei Tang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hospital Evaluation Office, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziwei Liu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meijuan Lin
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Thyrian JR, Winter P, Eichler T, Reimann M, Wucherer D, Dreier A, Michalowsky B, Zarm K, Hoffmann W. Relatives' burden of caring for people screened positive for dementia in primary care : Results of the DelpHi study. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2016; 50:4-13. [PMID: 27534949 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-016-1119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of data describing caregiver burden in primary care where most (informal) caregiving is provided. OBJECTIVE The aims of the paper are to describe the burden of people caring for persons with dementia (PWD) in primary care in multiple dimensions and to analyze factors associated with specific dimensions of caregiver burden. MATERIAL AND METHODS Analyses are based on cross-sectional data of the general physician-based, cluster-randomized, controlled intervention trial DelpHi-MV (Dementia: life and person-centered help). A sample of n = 310 community dwelling PWD screened positive for dementia (DemTect < 9) and their caregivers provided sociodemographic and disease-related data, caregiver burden was assessed in 20 dimensions using the Berlin inventory on relatives' burden in dementia (Berliner Inventar zur Angehörigenbelastung - Demenz, BIZA-D). RESULTS Depending on the dimension of objective burden due to caring, between 71.3 % and 92.3 % of the caregivers reported an objective burden. The average burden ranged from 3.68 to 9.81 (scale range 0-16). The subjective burden due to caring ranged from 0.1 to 1.1 (scale range 0-4). Between 22.6 and 51.6 % of our sample indicated burdens due to perceived conflicts. Logistic regression models associating caregiver burden with specifics of PWD and caregivers reached statistical significance for nearly all dimensions of the BIZA-D. Functional and cognitive impairment were statistically significant factors in 12 out of 20 and 5 out of 20 dimensions, respectively. CONCLUSION This is first quantitative in-depth analysis of burden for caregiver of people screened positive for dementia in primary care in Germany. In general, caregiver burden was perceived as being low to moderate by caregivers and lower than reported from other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen René Thyrian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Paula Winter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tilly Eichler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Melanie Reimann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Diana Wucherer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Adina Dreier
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalowsky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katja Zarm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.,Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, Universitymedicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Grau H, Graessel E, Berth H. The subjective burden of informal caregivers of persons with dementia: extended validation of the German language version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC). Aging Ment Health 2015; 19:159-68. [PMID: 24914762 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.920296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In research as well as in the practice of caregiver counselling, the subjective burden of family caregivers is considered an important characteristic of home care. The objective of the present study was to provide an extended validation of the German language version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC) published in 2001. METHODS Extended validation was performed using medical, interview, and health insurance data of 351 informal caregivers and their relatives who had dementia. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency of the items, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the structure of the BSFC. The discriminatory power and item difficulties of the 28 BSFC items were examined. Five research questions addressed construct validity. Question six addressed the BSFC score as a potential predictor of institutionalization at a follow-up time of 2.5 years (predictive validity). RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the BSFC had a single-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0.93. A significant increase in the BSFC score was observed when the severity of cognitive impairment increased, persons with dementia showed disturbing behaviour, caregivers were diagnosed with depression, care requirements increased, or the family caregiver and the person with dementia lived together. Caregiver burden emerged as a significant predictor of institutionalization. The validity of the BSFC was confirmed by the results. CONCLUSION The BSFC score allows for a valid assessment of the total caregiver burden in both research and practice. The BSFC is available for free in 20 languages ( http://www.caregiver-burden.eu ).
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Affiliation(s)
- H Grau
- a Center of Health Services Research in Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
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Stalder T, Tietze A, Steudte S, Alexander N, Dettenborn L, Kirschbaum C. Elevated hair cortisol levels in chronically stressed dementia caregivers. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 47:26-30. [PMID: 25001953 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are assumed to reflect integrated long-term cortisol levels and have been proposed as a promising endocrine marker of chronic psychological stress. The current study examined HCC in relation to caregiving burden, a well-established naturalistic model of chronic stress in humans. HCC and relevant psychosocial data were examined in 20 caregivers of relatives with dementia and 20 non-caregiver controls matched for age and sex. Results revealed elevated HCC in dementia caregivers compared to non-caregiver controls (F(1,38)=4.4, p=.04, ηp2=.10). Further, within caregivers, a trend for a positive association of HCC with self-reported caregiving burden (r=.43, p=.058) and a positive association with depressiveness (r=.48, p=.045) were observed. No other associations between HCC and subjective measures were seen. These findings concur with the notion that HCC sensitively capture endocrine aberrations in stress-exposed groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Stalder
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Antje Tietze
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susann Steudte
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nina Alexander
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lucia Dettenborn
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
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Graessel E, Berth H, Lichte T, Grau H. Subjective caregiver burden: validity of the 10-item short version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers BSFC-s. BMC Geriatr 2014; 14:23. [PMID: 24555474 PMCID: PMC3942019 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-14-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subjective burden is a central variable describing the situation encountered by family caregivers. The 10-item short version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-short/BSFC-s) was developed to provide an economical measure of this variable. The present study examined the reliability and validity of the BSFC-s. METHODS Comprehensive data from "the IDA project" were the basis of the calculations, which included 351 dyads and examined medical data on people with dementia, interview data from their family caregivers, and health insurance data. A factor analysis was performed to explore the structure of the BSFC-s; Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale. The items were analyzed to determine the item difficulty and the discriminatory power. Construct validity was tested with five hypotheses. To establish the predictive validity of the BSFC-s, predictors of institutionalization at a follow-up time of 2.5 years were analyzed (binary logistic regression). RESULTS The BSFC-s score adhered to a one-factor structure. Cronbach's alpha for the complete scale was .92. A significant increase in the BSFC-s score was observed when dementia progressed, disturbing behavior occurred more frequently, care requirements increased, and when caregivers were diagnosed with depression. Caregiver burden was the second strongest predictor of institutionalization out of a total of four significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS All hypotheses that referred to the construct validity were supported. The BSFC-short with its ten items is a very economical instrument for assessing the caregiver's total subjective burden in a short time frame. The BSFC-s score has predictive validity for the institutionalization of people with dementia. Therefore it is an appropriate outcome measure to evaluate caregiver interventions. The scale is available for free in 20 languages (http://www.caregiver-burden.eu). This availability facilitates the comparison of international research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hannes Grau
- Centre of Health Services Research in Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Heinrich S, Berwig M, Simon A, Jänichen J, Hallensleben N, Nickel W, Hinz A, Brähler E, Gertz HJ. German adaptation of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health II: study protocol of a single-centred, randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2014; 14:21. [PMID: 24520910 PMCID: PMC3925255 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-14-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caring for a family member with dementia is extremely stressful, and contributes to psychiatric and physical illness among caregivers. Therefore, a comprehensive programme called Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health II (REACH II) was developed in the United States to enhance the health of Alzheimer’s caregivers. REACH II causes a clear reduction of the stress and burdens faced by informal caregivers at home. The aim of this protocol is to adapt, apply, and evaluate this proven intervention programme in a German-speaking area for the first time. This newly adapted intervention is called Deutsche Adaption der Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (DeREACH). Methods A total of 138 informal caregivers at home are recruited in a single-centred, randomised controlled trial. The intervention (DeREACH) consists of nine home visits and three telephone contacts over six months, all of which focus on safety, psychological well-being and self-care, social support, problem behaviour and preventive health-related behaviours. A complex intervention assessment on effectiveness will be adopted when the primary outcome – namely, the reduction of caregiver burden – and other secondary outcomes, including changes with regard to anxiety and depression, somatisation, health-related quality of life, and perceived social support, are measured at baseline, as well as immediately and three months after the intervention. The change from baseline to post-intervention assessment with regard to the primary outcome will be compared between treatment and control group using t-tests for independent samples. Discussion It is anticipated that this study will show that DeREACH effectively reduces caregiver burden and therefore works under the conditions of a local German health-care system. If successful, this programme will provide an effective intervention programme in the German-speaking area to identify and develop the personal capabilities of informal caregivers to cope with the burdens of caring for people with dementia. Trial registration NCT01690117
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Heinrich
- Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Leipzig University, Semmelweisstr, 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Caregiver rating bias in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease: impact of caregiver burden and depression on dyadic rating discrepancy across domains. Int Psychogeriatr 2013; 25:1345-55. [PMID: 23651733 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610213000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of individuals with dementia are biased in their rating of mental health measures of the care receiver. This study examines caregiver burden and depression as predictors of this bias for mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease in different domains. METHODS The sample consisted of 202 persons: 60 with mild cognitive impairment, 41 with mild Alzheimer's disease, and 101 caregivers. Discrepancy scores were calculated by subtracting the mean caregiver score from the respective mean patient score on the following assessment instruments: the Geriatric Depression Scale, Apathy Evaluation Scale, Bayer-Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Quality of Life-AD scale. Caregiver burden and depression were assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients were low for apathy (0.38), daily functioning (0.38), and quality of life (0.30) and moderate for depression (0.49). These domains showed negative rating discrepancies, which indicates caregiver rating bias for all four domains. Regression analyses revealed that caregiver burden significantly contributed to explaining these discrepancies in the domains apathy, daily functioning, and quality of life. CONCLUSION Caregiver rating bias can be attributed to caregiver burden. When caregiver burden is present, data based on caregiver ratings should therefore be interpreted with caution.
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[Family caregivers and health promotion. Pilot study to validate a German assessment to survey resources and risks of elderly family caregivers (ARR)]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2012; 45:201-11. [PMID: 22311698 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-011-0278-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ARR is a German assessment instrument to survey physical and psychological resources and risks of elderly family caregivers (50+). Factor structure, reliability, and validity were investigated using a sample of 202 caregivers from a national health insurance company. The factorial validity was confirmed for the physical profile (PHP) and the psychological profile (PSP). Reliability is good (PHP: Cronbach's α=0.73; PSP: Cronbach's α=0.71) for the shortness of the profiles. The correlation with self-efficacy constitutes an indicator for construct validity. The psychometric qualities allow the conclusion that the ARR is a reliable and valid instrument which is of interest for family caregivers. Nevertheless, further testing of validity is required.
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