Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale into european portuguese

Abstract

Introduction: Systematic cognitive assessment is essential to establish rehabilitation plans adjusted to the person with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale (LCFS) is a descriptive tool for framing cognitive and behavioral levels, representing the typical recovery of patients with TBI. This study aims to translate and cross-culturally adapt the LCFS. Methodology: Linguistic equivalence of the LCFS was performed using independent translators and back-translators. Conceptual equivalence was obtained through an expert panel, with 5 elements selected in the field of ??neuroscience and nursing, followed by a cognitive debriefing composed by 8 nurses, with significant experience in neurosurgery. Throughout this process, there was the involvement and contribution of the authors of the original scale. Results: Linguistic equivalence was a fluid process. The expert panel reached a consensus on 79 (94%) of the 84 items on the scale. The analysis carried out in the cognitive debriefing resulted in changes in reduced number of terms, obtaining the LCFS in European Portuguese. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the LCFS proves to be easy to understand and provides a robust content validity. A psychometric study is suggested to ensure cross-cultural validation.

Keywords

• descriptors: brain trauma; cognitive assessment screening instrument; cognition; cognitive dysfunction.