Elaboración y validación de una Escala de Apoyo Profesional para cuidadores de pacientes con esquizofrenia

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to elaborate and validate a tool to evaluate the professional support given to schizophrenics' caregivers. The main factors involved in burden perception are well known. However, it has not been explored whether the professional support received by caregivers can influence it too. To our knowledge, we lack validated instruments to assess this variable Material and methods: A literature review, focus group discussions and individual interviews were carried out to elaborate the items of the scale and to validate it on a sample of 100 caregivers. Results: The scale demonstrated a good internal consistency (α Cronbach = 0,82) and an acceptable test-retest reliability after four weeks (r = 0,91). Conclusions: The Professional Support Scale (EAP-C) is a useful tool to evaluate the professional support perceived by caregivers. In addition, it may be useful for the evaluation of the quality of health care received by schizophrenics' caregivers.