Table 1.
Translation and linguistic validation process
| Source COA | Final linguistically validated COA instrument | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preflight | TransPerfect reviews the source instrument and defines all concepts in a concept-definition document. |
| 2 | Dual forward translation | Two native-speaking linguists of the target language independently perform forward translations, aiming for conceptual equivalence to the source and cultural appropriateness for the target country. |
| 3 | Reconciliation | A third independent, native-speaking linguist compares the two forward translations, identifying any discrepancies or cultural differences to create a unified translation. |
| 4 | Backward translation | A native-speaking (of English) linguist with fluency in the target language translates the reconciled document back into the source language using only the forward translation as source material. |
| 5 | Resolution of backward and forward translations | A team consisting of natives-peaking linguists (both of English and the target language), a quality manager, and a project manager resolve any discrepancies between the forward translation, backward translation, and source. |
| 6 | Clinician/medical review | A clinician who practices in the relevant therapeutic area and is a native speaker of the target language provides feedback on the accuracy of all medical terminology. |
| 7 | Client in-country review/developer review | The reconciled forward and backward translations are provided to the client or the developer for review. Comments are then assessed by TransPerfect’s linguistic team until all issues are resolved. |
| 8 | Cognitive interviewing | Qualitative interviews are conducted with five to ten prescreened respondents who are representative of the study’s target population. |
| 9 | Final proofreading and delivery | The finalized language is proofread by a native-speaking linguist of the target language. Once finalized, the files are delivered to the client. |
| 10 | Comprehensive final report | TransPerfect authors a final report detailing all linguistic decisions made throughout the process, including cognitive interviewing results. |
Abbreviation: COA, Clinical Outcomes Assessment.