The following is a selection of tools that can be used to measure the psychological and social needs of patients and caregivers.

Afterdeath Bereaved Family Interview (hospital version)
A survey used to measure quality of care at the end of life from the unique perspective of family members. Please complete the Toolkit Registration Form.

Afterdeath Bereaved Family Interview (hospice version)

Afterdeath Bereaved Family Interview (nursing home version)

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
A 21-item multiple choice test used for assessing the presence and degree of depression in adolescents and adults. The BDI is copyrighted, and may not be reproduced here. Please contact the PsychCorp and Harcourt Assessment Center for more information.

Blessed-Roth Dementia Scale (DS)
A brief behavioural scale based on the interview of a close informant. The DS has proved to be a sensitive and specific screening test for dementia.

Caregiver Strain Index
A tool that measures strain related to care provision. Used to assess individuals who have assumed the role of caregiver for an older adult.

Geriatric Depression Scale (long form)
A 30-item screening tool for symptoms of depression in the elderly.

Geriatric Depression Scale (short form)
A 15-item screening tool for symptoms of depression in the elderly.

Hamilton Depression Scale
Provides an indication of depression and, over time, provides a guide to progress.

Herth Hope Index
A 12-item interview containing three dimensions: temporality and future, positive readiness and expectance, and interconnectedness. Tested in community and hospital patients and family members.  Please contact the author for permission to use this tool.

Mini-Mental State Examination
This tool is copyrighted and is available from Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR).  If you have not already established a qualification level with PAR, please complete the Qualification Form for Medical and Allied Health Professionals and return it with your first order.

Mini Mental State Questionnaire
A screening tool for assessing cognitive impairment.

Needs at the End-of-life Screening Tool (NEST)
NEST is a comprehensive assessment and outcome measures instrument.

Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS)
A 10-item scale (plus an open question) that was specifically developed and validated for palliative care and covers physical symptoms, patient and family or caregiver anxiety/fears and well being.  Please register to access this tool.

Scales of Psychological Well-Being
Self-report scales to assess an individual's well-being at a particular moment in time within each of the following 6 dimensions: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance.  This tool is not available for viewing.

Short Portable Mental Health Questionnaire (SPMSQ)
The SPMSQ is a 10-item test measuring the presence and the degree of intellectual impairment of the elderly.