FURTHER VALIDATION OF THE QUALCARE SCALE

The main goal of the study was to conduct a further validation of the QUALCARE Scale by documenting its criterion validity. More precisely, the study was designed to test the usefulness of the scale in identify ing family-mediated elder mistreatment. Because the study used a Frenc h version of the scale, its inter-observer reliability, internal consi stency, and construct validity were reexamined. Forty elder/caregiver dyads participated in the study. The elders were referred by professio nals involved in their home care. The opinion of these professionals r egarding the possible existence of a mistreatment situation within the family was used as the criterion against which the QUALCARE score was compared. The results suggest that a measure of quality of care is a valid indicator of the risk of mistreatment. However, the reproducibil ity of the scale proved to be insufficient. Its future use should ther efore be preceded by more extensive training than that given in the pr esent study.