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. 2024 Aug;33(8):2119-2127.
doi: 10.1007/s11136-024-03690-4. Epub 2024 Jun 12.

Translation and linguistic validation of 24 PROMIS item banks into French

Sara Ahmed  1   2   3   4 , Emily Parks-Vernizzi  5 , Barbara Perez  5 , Benjamin Arnold  5 , Abigail Boucher  5 , Mushirah Hossenbaccus  6 , Helena Correia  7 , Susan J Bartlett  8
Affiliations

Translation and linguistic validation of 24 PROMIS item banks into French

Sara Ahmed et al. Qual Life Res. 2024 Aug.

Abstract
in English, German

Purpose: The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) was developed to provide reliable, valid, and normed item banks to measure health. The item banks provide standardized scores on a common metric allowing for individualized, brief assessment (computerized adaptive tests), short forms (e.g. heart failure specific), or profile assessments (e.g. PROMIS-29). The objective of this study was to translate and linguistically validate 24 PROMIS adult item banks into French and highlight cultural nuances arising during the translation process.

Methods: We used the FACIT translation methodology. Forward translation into French by two native French-speaking translators was followed by reconciliation by a third native French-speaking translator. A native English-speaking translator fluent in French then completed a back translation of the reconciled version from French into English. Three independent reviews by bilingual translators were completed to assess the clarity and consistency of terminology and equivalency across the English source and French translations. Reconciled versions were evaluated in cognitive interviews for conceptual and linguistic equivalence.

Results: Twenty-four adult item banks were translated: 12 mental health, 10 physical health, and two social health. Interview data revealed that 577 items of the 590 items translated required no revisions. Conceptual and linguistic differences were evident for 11 items that required iterations to improve conceptual equivalence and two items were revised to accurately reflect the English source.

Conclusion: French translations of 24 item banks were created for routine clinical use and research. Initial translation supported conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. Next steps will include validation of the item banks.

There is a rising interest in standardizing the use of patient reported outcomes for Canadians as the importance of measuring patient outcomes as part of value-based and person-centered care increases. This study aimed to translate and linguistically validate 24 PROMIS adult item banks into French that may be used across French-speaking nations. In this work, we outline the processes and draw focus to cultural variations that arise during the language validation and translation procedures. Data from interviews showed that 577 out of the 590 translated items required no revision. Eleven items needed iterations to increase conceptual equivalency. Translating complete PROMIS items banks reveals that while most PROMIS domains are conceptualized and described identically across cultures, a few items required further revisions to establish equivalency. Initial translation supported conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. French translations for 24 PROMIS item banks are now available for routine clinical use and research. Next steps will include validation of the item banks.

Keywords: Cognitive interviews; Linguistic validation; PROMIS; Patient reported outcomes; Translation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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