Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of outcome measurements for schizophrenia - EPSILON Study 2

Background Research on the comparison of mental health services has identif ied the need for internationally standardised and reliable measurements. Aims To describe the strategies adopted in the European Psychiatric Service s: inputs Linked to Outcome Domains and Needs (EPSILON) Study for the trans lation and cross-cultural adaptation of five European versions of the instr uments. Method A protocol was developed for translation of the outcome scales, desc ribing each step in the translation procedure. Disputed items were discusse d in focus groups, which faced seven tasks: a list of topics to be discusse d; choosing where the group should meet; composition of participants; condu cting the group; data collection; data completion afterwards; reporting res ults. Results Modifications made to instruments were: changes in the instrument s tructure, contents and concepts; adjustments to the instrument structure; a nd modifications to the instrument manual. Conclusion Use of focus groups is an adequate method to apply if concepts, constructs and translation issues are to be addressed; otherwise, less time -consuming methods should be considered. Declaration of interest No conflict of interest. Funding detailed in Acknow ledgements.