Translation of Patient-Related Outcome Measures

Abstract

PROMs are questionnaires used as tools in medical diagnostic assessment and treatment. The patient’s cultural background influences how they understand the PROMs’ concepts and questions. Forward-and-back-translation is traditionally seen as “gold standard” for translating texts. However, differences in idioms, linguistic nuances etc. may make even translated PROMs difficult for immigrant patients to understand. So do lexical gaps in the translation, i.e., missing concepts and discrepancies between the two languages and cultures in question. Translators need to have intimate knowledge of both cultures as well as of the professional terminology in question. Poor linguistic and/or cultural translations cause lack of understanding of the PROMs’ questions and answer options. If the filled in PROMs do not reflect the patient’s health situation, this creates a risk of non-treatment, insufficient treatment, or even an erroneous diagnosis. To safeguard correct understanding, it is important to discuss the PROMs with the patients.