The development and validation of the Brief Experience of Caregiving Inventory (BECI)

Abstract Background The social network supporting an individual with psychosis may be adversely affected by the experience of caregiving. The Experience of Caregiving Inventory (ECI) is 66 item self-report measure of the impact of caregiving for carers of people diagnosed with psychotic disorders. This study aimed to create a brief version of the ECI, and evaluate its reliability and validity ( n  = 626). Methods The validation process was conducted through a Multidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT) approach, using a graded response model and a complementary network approach. Results This resulted in a 19 item, four factor inventory with a good model fit, displaying good reliability and validity. Conclusion The BECI is a valid measure. The simplicity, ease of application and robust psychometric properties further enhances its acceptability and usefulness as a brief measure in clinical research and trials, as well as in routine practice providing reliable and valid data on experience of caregiving in families of an individual with psychosis.