Content Confirmation of the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS): A Qualitative Study with Primary and Secondary Caregivers

Introduction: Cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia are burdensome and detrimental to everyday life. The Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS) is a 20-item interview-based assessment requiring input from patients, caregivers, or clinicians.

Aims: Confirmation with the informant population is needed, particularly with primary caregivers (PCs), which this study aims to address.

Methods: A qualitative, cross-sectional, non-interventional study was conducted in the USA. Interviews were conducted with PCs (unpaid), and secondary caregivers (SCs; professionally trained).

Results: 40 caregivers were interviewed, n=20 per group. Half of PCs were parents of patients, 40% relatives and 10% partners. The SC group included 25% therapists.
Most caregivers accurately interpreted questions, items, and response options (70%–100%). Ease of response appeared slightly lower for PCs, due to patient profiles or uncertainty concerning patient thoughts/understanding, rather than scale properties.
Most items were endorsed by the majority in both groups. However, two items were observed less frequently: language difficulties leading to conversational confusion and attention in conversation; nevertheless, these items were understood by most caregivers, responses were easy to select and examples considered useful. Additionally, all domains were endorsed by ≥50% of caregivers. Attention and Problem-solving were endorsed by 95% of caregivers living with patients. Memory and Working Memory were endorsed by all SCs.

Conclusions: The content and usability of the SCoRS were confirmed with both informal and professional caregivers. These data suggest that impact of relevant cognitive issues can be assessed with caregivers of patients with schizophrenia using an interview-based methodology.

Funding: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.