Psychometric Properties of the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home After Stroke Instrument

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Preparedness Assessment for the Transition Home After Stroke (PATH-s), a novel instrument to assess stroke caregiver commitment and capacity. The PATH-s instrument can be obtained at www.rehabnurse.org/pathtool. Design The design of this study is cross-sectional. Methods The PATH-s, the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (PCS), the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Global Health Scale were self-reported from a convenience sample of caregiver-stroke survivor dyads (n = 183) during inpatient rehabilitation. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed eight factors underlying the PATH-s structure. The PATH-s Cronbach's alpha of.90 demonstrated criterion-related validity with the PCS (r =.79, p <.01). Both the PATH-s and the PCS were negatively correlated with the Patient Health Questionnaire (r = -.26 and -.27, respectively; p <.01) and the Perceived Stress Scale (r = -.12 and -.15, respectively; p >.05) and positively correlated with the Global Health Scale (r = -.46 and.46, respectively; p <.01), indicating convergent validity. Conclusions The PATH-s demonstrates excellent internal consistency and satisfactory criterion-related and convergent validity. Clinical Relevance The PATH-s may be used to assess the risk/needs of caregivers over time.