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To present the psychometric properties of the living with long-term condition (LwLTCs) scale in an English-speaking population of people with different LTCs.
An observational and cross-sectional study, with retest was conducted. Psychometric properties including feasibility, internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, reproducibility and content validity were tested.
The study took place across the UK via primary care surgeries and voluntary organisations, between December 2021 and June 2022.
The study included 577 patients living with different LTCs, as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, chronic heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inclusion criteria included: (a) having been diagnosed with one or more of the conditions; (b) being able to read, understand and answer written questionnaires; (c) being fluent in English and (d) being able to provide written informed consent. Patients were involved in the design and pilot study of the scale.
A total sample of 577 people with an age range of 37–97 years (98±9.65) were recruited. Internal consistency of the total 26-item LwLTCs scale score was excellent (ordinal alpha=0.90) but confirmatory factor analysis showed better fit indices (Normed Fit Index=0.96; standardised root mean square residual=0.051; Goodness of Fit Index=0.98) for a 20-item LwLTCs scale.
A shorter version of the LwLTCs scale, with just 20 items and with excellent psychometric properties, is recommended. Having a short scale is key when considering the implementation of the scale in clinical practice to develop person-centred pathways and more comprehensive care plans.
Commentary on: Wagner B, Hofmann L, Maaß U. A therapist-supported internet-based intervention for bereaved siblings: a randomized controlled trial. Palliat Med. 2022 Dec;36(10):1532–1543. doi: 10.1177/02692163221122344. Epub 2022 Oct 20.
An online 6-weeks 12-session CBT-based writing intervention can improve grief and depression in bereaved siblings up to 1 year postintervention. Further research may examine the potentially effective components and the effectiveness of the intervention in populations such as males and people bereaved by suicide.
Bereaved siblings have an increased risk of developing long-term health-related problems after loss. A population-wide study revealed higher risks of depression, substance use and a twofold risk of attempted suicide compared to non-bereaved siblings.
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