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Quality of Life Research
Published in: Quality of Life Research 4/2012

Open Access 01-05-2012

Psychometric properties of instruments to measure the quality of end-of-life care and dying for long-term care residents with dementia

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Purpose

Quality of care for long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia at the end-of-life is often evaluated using standardized instruments that were not developed for or thoroughly tested in this population. Given the importance of using appropriate instruments to evaluate the quality of care (QOC) and quality of dying (QOD) in LTC, we compared the validity and reliability of ten available instruments commonly used for these purposes.

Methods

We performed prospective observations and retrospective interviews and surveys of family (n = 70) and professionals (n = 103) of LTC decedents with dementia in the Netherlands.

Results

Instruments within the constructs QOC and QOD were highly correlated, and showed moderate to high correlation with overall assessments of QOC and QOD. Prospective and retrospective ratings using the same instruments differed little. Concordance between family and professional scores was low. Cronbach’s alpha was mostly adequate. The EOLD–CAD showed good fit with pre-assumed factor structures. The EOLD–SWC and FPCS appear most valid and reliable for measuring QOC, and the EOLD–CAD and MSSE for measuring QOD. The POS performed worst in this population.

Conclusions

Our comparative study of psychometric properties of instruments allows for informed selection of QOC and QOD measures for LTC residents with dementia.
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Metadata
Title
Psychometric properties of instruments to measure the quality of end-of-life care and dying for long-term care residents with dementia
Publication date
01-05-2012
Published in
Quality of Life Research / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-011-9978-4

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