Testing the validation and reliability of the Caregiver-Patient Activation Measure (CG-PAM)

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Caregiver-Patient Activation Measure (CG-PAM). METHODS: Based on the psychometric testing of the original Patient Activation Measure (PAM), three assessments of reliability and validity were completed on the CG-PAM. Test-retest reliability was assessed across two weeks (n = 23). Criterion validity was assessed by interviewing participants from the test-retest cohort (n = 10), with transcripts assessed by subject matter experts (n = 3) to classify activation levels of the interviewee. Construct validity was assessed through a survey (n = 179) consisting of demographic questions, the CG-PAM and concepts hypothesised to be related to caregiver activation. RESULTS: There was strong test-retest reliability (r = 0.893), but poor criterion validity. Assessment o;f construct validity demonstrated significant relationships found between caregiver activation and weekly hours of care provided (p < 0.001), relationship satisfaction (p < 0.001), and dyad typology (p < 0.001), but not with perceived levels of stress or social support. CONCLUSION: The CG-PAM was found to have strong reliability, but there were inconsistent results across the validation tests conducted. INNOVATION: Future research must consider the dynamic nature of caring and the importance of the relationship between the caregiver/recipient when defining activation levels within the CG-PAM.