Development of the "EDSOL" scale for the detection of existential loneliness in patients at end of life

Abstract

Aim: This paper presents the development of Detection of Existential Loneliness Scale (EDSOL) of patients with advanced disease/terminal illness that receiving palliative care. Method: The process of preparing the scale is described. For this: 1) the literature on the subject has been revised, 2) theoretical framework has been established, 3) it has been defined the criteria to be met by the screening tool, and 4) the final scale was reviewed by patients and experts. Results: The EDSOL scale consists of two parts: 1) three questions addressed to patients and; 2) several questions addressed to health staff about the observation of external signs of Existential Loneliness. The final scale was reviewed by patients and experts (facie validity) showing good validity. Conclussion: The EDSOL scale will be an appropriate tool for identifying the Existential Loneliness of patients at the end of life or advanced illness. In this case, we will propose the systematic use of EDSOL for early detection and specific interventions on existential loneliness experiences.