Table 5.

Top 10 ranked items for inclusion in the CAT following Phase 3 expert panel (n = 10)

Domain theme	Item	Ranking	Mean ranking* (SD)
D1: Understanding the current caring situation	…if the carer understands the expected progress of the condition of the person they are caring for?	1	2.88 (2.64)
D2: Current care provided by the carer	… if the carer feels able to support the psychological/emotional needs of the person they care for?	2	3.25 (3.86)
D3: Carer’s relationship with professionals	… if the carer feels that professionals involve them in decision making by seeking their knowledge and expertise about the care needed by the person they care for?	3	3.88 (1.55)
D4: Respite and emergency care needs	… if the carer would like support with a break from caring such as using a sitting service in their home for a few hours or to use respite care for a longer break? (if services available)	4	4.00 (2.12)
D3: Carer’s relationship with professionals	… if the carer feels they are receiving the support they need from professionals at the time they need it?	5	4.13 (2.17)
D2: Current care provided by the carer	… if the carer has a named person or number to call in an emergency or with any concerns about the person they care for?	6	4.50 (2.98)
D1: Understanding the current caring situation	… if the carer has responsibility for making decisions about the care of the person they care for, due to their condition or mental capacity?	7	5.20 (3.27)
D5: Financial support and assessments	… if the carer knows of and has applied for all appropriate funding, such as benefits, mobility schemes?	8	5.86 (1.86)
D7: Support for the carer	… if the carer feels they are currently receiving enough support?	9	6.00 (3.35)
D6: The carer’s health and well-being	… if the carer is able to balance their own health needs with the demands of caring?	10	6.11 (3.41)

*Items were ranked from ‘1’ as the highest ranked item so the items ranked highest have the lowest mean.