COOP Charts in French: translation and preliminary data on instrument properties

This paper describes the procedure used to translate the COOP Charts into F rench and provides preliminary information on the instrument's acceptabilit y, reliability and validity. The charts were translated in several steps: s even initial translations were combined into a first pilot version, which w as then tested for acceptability, clarity and alternate wordings in two con venience samples taken from the general population (n = 53). The modified v ersion was then reviewed by a lay panel and another translator and submitte d by mail to 209 congress participants to test several construct validity h ypotheses through known-groups comparisons. A panel of public health profes sionals discussed the content validity of the charts. Finally, test-retest reliability and concurrent validity with SF-36 Health Survey scores were ex amined among 65 patients with end-stage renal disease. The translation proc ess identified a wide variability in translation options for several items. The acceptability of the charts was excellent. The test-retest correlation s ranged from 0.60 to 0.87. Content validity appeared to be appropriate, ex cept for the chart on 'social support', which combines the questions of nee d and availability of social support. The utility of illustrations was ques tioned by some respondents: many claimed not to have used the illustrations in selecting their response, while others found them to be not expressive enough. Most preliminary tests of construct validity were consistent with t heory. This French translation of the COOP Charts appears to be ready for m ore extensive testing in the intended target population of ambulatory patie nts.