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

The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Caregiver-Patient Activation Measure (CG-PAM). 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. 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. The CG-PAM was found to have strong reliability, but there were inconsistent results across the validation tests conducted. 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. • To date, the Caregiver-Patient Activation Measure (CG-PAM) has not been formally tested for reliability or validity • Methods used were based on the psychometric testing of the original Patient Activation Measure • The CG-PAM was found to have strong reliability, but there were inconsistent results across the validation tests conducted. • The dynamic nature of caregiving and the caregiver/receiver relationship are important when conceptualising caregiver activation and how it could be measured.