Assessing the Reliability and Validity of a Brief Measure of Caregiver Quality of Life

Context: There is a need for brief measurement instruments that do not cause burden to hospice caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index (CQLI) has been used in several studies, but assessment of its psychometric properties has been minimal. The CQLI-R (revised) instrument was found to have equivalent properties but also has had minimal testing in small samples. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of the CQLI-R. Methods: Data were used from three hospice clinical trials. Reliability was assessed using test-retest and an item analysis. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing items to similar items within the same data set. Results: Test-rest and item analysis found moderate-to-good reliability. Construct validity found significance in comparison of CQLI-R items with those of similar instruments. Conclusions: The CQLI-R is an easy-to-use instrument to assess caregiver quality of life. Despite adequate reliability and construct validity, further evidence is needed to support content validity.