The needs of informal carers: a proposed assessment tool for use by public health nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an assessment tool for the collection of information on carers' needs and to pilot test same.


BACKGROUND
No formal assessment of the needs of carers is undertaken by Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in the West of Ireland.


METHODS
An assessment tool which took the form of a questionnaire was designed based on an earlier needs analysis, a literature review and qualitative data obtained with carers at two focus groups. Sixty carers were involved in the pilot study of the tool.


RESULTS
Carers found this model made them feel valued, created awareness about the effects of caring and provided them with information. They recommended its introduction.


CONCLUSIONS
The carers and PHNs found the assessment tool to be useful and comprehensive in its approach. However, it requires modification, with specific attention being paid to the validity and reliability of the tool.
Syron
M
M
Senior Public Health Nurse, Child Care Unit, Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Western Health Board, Merlin Park, Galway, Ireland.
Shelley
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires