Process of translation and adaptation of instruments
The aim of this process is to achieve different language versions of the English instrument that are conceptually equivalent in each of the target countries/cultures. That is, the instrument should be equally natural and acceptable and should practically perform in the same way. The focus is on cross-cultural and conceptual, rather than on linguistic/literal equivalence. A well-established method to achieve this goal is to use forward-translations and back-translations. This method has been refined in the course of several WHO studies to result in the following guidelines.
Implementation of this method includes the following steps:
1.Forward translation
2.Expert panel Back-translation
3.Pre-testing and cognitive interviewing
4.Final version