title: Defining Multimorbidity: From English to Portuguese Using a Delphi Technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To translate the European General Practice Research Network multimorbidity definition according to Portuguese cultural and linguistic features.
  
  
  METHODS
  Similar to the process completed in several other European countries, a forward and backward translation of the English multimorbidity definition using the Delphi technique was performed in Portugal.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-three general practitioners (GPs)-14 males and 9 females-agreed to form the Portuguese expert panel for the Delphi process (59% acceptance rate). The Portuguese definition of multimorbidity was achieved after two Delphi rounds with a mean (SD) consensus score for final round of 8.43/9 (0.73).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With this paper the definition of multimorbidity is now available in a new language-Portuguese. Its availability in the local language will raise Portuguese GPs' awareness about multimorbidity and allow future national and international research. The operationalization of the definition will allow an easier identification of patients with multimorbidity.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal ; Centro de Saúde de Aveiro, 3810-042 Aveiro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Filipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Prazeres
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal ; USF Topázio, 3020-171 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Luiz Miguel
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Santiago
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal ; USF Marquês de Marialva, 3060-123 Cantanhede, Portugal.
authors.forename: José Augusto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Simões
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005006:Ethnicity; D005060:Europe; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal