A novel method for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measurements

Abstract

Highlights Efforts to ensure a good translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the patient-reported outcome measurement PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 from English to Norwegian led to the development of a new methodology using a Delphi method with an expert panel. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to use this specific methodology. The rigorous documentation process, controlled feedback approach, iterative nature, and internal logic of the Delphi consensus method appeared to contribute to improved translation results, ensuring good cross-cultural adaptation of these instruments. A simple translation or poor translation of a HRQOL PROM may yield misleading information or fail to identify important clinical changes.

Keywords

• Delphi method
• Expert panel
• Translation
• Cross-cultural adaptation
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• PFDI-20