Measuring the Effects of Using Health-Related Websites: Translatability Assessment of Questionnaire Items in the E-Health Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ).
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Abstract
Background
The internet is a valuable resource for accessing health information in the UK with 71% of the population having sourced health information online. Health related websites have become much more than information sites: they are used to exchange experiences and find support as well as information and advice.
Objective
We are developing an e-health impact questionnaire to assess the effects of using health related websites which contain experiential and factual information. This study aimed to perform a translatability assessment on the draft questionnaire items to establish whether they will be cross-culturally and linguistically valid should the questionnaire be translated in the future.
Methods
A concept elaboration document was produced to expand on 82 draft questionnaire items and sent to medical translators in six countries to obtain feedback regarding the translatability of the text from linguistic and cultural perspectives. Recommendations from each translator were reviewed by a project manager who suggested changes to the questionnaire developers. Suggested changes were discussed during a teleconference between the developers and the project manager. Amendments were made to ensure the e-HIQ questionnaire items would be more easily translated in the future. All recommendations and changes were compiled in a report.
Results
Several changes were thought necessary as a result of the translatability assessment. Changes included clarifying the tense of questionnaire items to avoid mistranslation and amending colloquial terms (for example, changing the phrase ‘taking steps’ to ‘taking actions’). The developers were also made aware of three items which have distinct meanings in the English language, but may be difficult to translate as distinct items in other languages when translated.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of including a concept elaboration and translatability assessment during the development of a measure which may be used internationally. Incorporating an international element into its development enables an easier transition into other languages ensuring it is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
The internet is a valuable resource for accessing health information in the UK with 71% of the population having sourced health information online. Health related websites have become much more than information sites: they are used to exchange experiences and find support as well as information and advice.
Objective
We are developing an e-health impact questionnaire to assess the effects of using health related websites which contain experiential and factual information. This study aimed to perform a translatability assessment on the draft questionnaire items to establish whether they will be cross-culturally and linguistically valid should the questionnaire be translated in the future.
Methods
A concept elaboration document was produced to expand on 82 draft questionnaire items and sent to medical translators in six countries to obtain feedback regarding the translatability of the text from linguistic and cultural perspectives. Recommendations from each translator were reviewed by a project manager who suggested changes to the questionnaire developers. Suggested changes were discussed during a teleconference between the developers and the project manager. Amendments were made to ensure the e-HIQ questionnaire items would be more easily translated in the future. All recommendations and changes were compiled in a report.
Results
Several changes were thought necessary as a result of the translatability assessment. Changes included clarifying the tense of questionnaire items to avoid mistranslation and amending colloquial terms (for example, changing the phrase ‘taking steps’ to ‘taking actions’). The developers were also made aware of three items which have distinct meanings in the English language, but may be difficult to translate as distinct items in other languages when translated.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of including a concept elaboration and translatability assessment during the development of a measure which may be used internationally. Incorporating an international element into its development enables an easier transition into other languages ensuring it is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
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