title: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of outcome measurements for schizophrenia. EPSILON Study 2. European Psychiatric Services: Inputs Linked to Outcome Domains and Needs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research on the comparison of mental health services has identified the need for internationally standardised and reliable measurements.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the strategies adopted in the European Psychiatric Services: Inputs Linked to Outcome Domains and Needs (EPSILON) Study for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of five European versions of the instruments.
  
  
  METHODS
  A protocol was developed for translation of the outcome scales, describing each step in the translation procedure. Disputed items were discussed in focus groups, which faced seven tasks: a list of topics to be discussed; choosing where the group should meet; composition of participants; conducting the group; data collection; data completion afterwards; reporting results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Modifications made to instruments were: changes in the instrument structure, contents and concepts; adjustments to the instrument structure; and modifications to the instrument manual.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Preventive Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Barquero
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Welcher
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gaite
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chisholm
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruggeri
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Schene
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thornicroft
mesh_terms: D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012015:Reference Standards; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014175:Translating