Using cross-cultural input to adapt the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scales

Cross-cultural quality of life measurement and psychosocial assessment in o ncology have become reality with the translation and international validati on of duality of life questionnaires. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Measurement System, under development since 1987, p roduced its 4th version in November 1997. The FACIT system includes the Fun ctional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), the Functional Assessment of H uman Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FAHI) and the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS). These questionnaires were developed in North America and, to date, many have been translated into almost 30 languages. O ne of the strengths of this ongoing translation project is its use of input from patients, linguists, psychologists and physicians internationally to assure that the wording of Version 4 is more cross-culturally relevant and more sensitive to measuring the psychosocial impact of illness in cultures outside the United States. Statistical analysis, aggregation of patient com ments, and comments from linguists and users of the translated Versions are used as needed to revise item wording to ensure clarity and consistency ac ross languages. A 'decentering' approach is also used to adapt the source ( English language) document in response to problems encountered during its t ranslation.