Conceptual, semantic and operational equivalence of the EORTC QLQ-INFOR25-brazilian version

Abstract

Introduction: Providing information on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is an important feature of assistance to patients suffering from this disease. Therefore, the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 instrument was developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The instrument main goal is to evaluate the information received from cancer patients. Objective: To describe the first phase of transcultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of EORTC QLQ-INFO25. Patients and Methods: Methodological study based on the universalist model which focused on the first four stages of the transcultural adaptation process: evaluation of conceptual equivalence, item, semantic and operational. We performed a revision of the literature. We have performed a discussion with experts, translation, and back translation of the items. Results: Pretest with 24 hospitalized patients revealed that some items had not sensed the intended underlying constructs. After changes have been made, the items were understood properly by another 16 hospitalized patients, as proposed by the original instrument. Conclusion: The results indicate that the Brazilian version of the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 seems promising when applied by interview.