Development of the DME-C: A scale for detecting emotional distress in primary caregivers of patients living with advanced illness or approaching end of their lives

This paper presents the development of the Detection of Emotional Distress Scale in primary Caregivers (DED-C) of patients living with advanced disease or terminal illness who are receiving palliative care. The scale development process is described. For this purpose, literature has been reviewed and a theoretical framework of study as well as the characteristics of the screening tool have been established. The DED-C scale consists of 2 parts: 1) 3 questions addressed to primary caregivers, and 2) the health care professional s appreciation or observation of any external signs of emotional distress on behalf of the caregivers. The final scale was reviewed by experts and caregivers. The DED-C scale will be an appropriate tool for identifying caregivers’ emotional distress. We propose the systematic use of DED-C for early detection of and specific intervention on emotional distress.