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. 2023 Feb 2;25:e40733. doi: 10.2196/40733

Table 2.

Exemplification of translation manipulations in back translation.

Original items Back translated items
1. Are the aims clear?aHINT: Look for a clear indication at the beginning of the publication of:

  • What it is about

  • What it is meant to cover (and what topics are meant to be excluded)

  • Who might find it useful

 1. Is the purpose of this article clear? Look for content at the beginning of the article as a clear indication ofb the following questions:

  • What is it about

  • What may be covered or uncovered in it

  • Who would find it useful
4. Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication (other than the author or producer)? HINT:

  • Check whether the main claims or statements made about treatment choices are accompanied by a reference to the sources used as evidence, eg, a research study or expert opinion.

  • Look for a means of checking the sources used such as a bibliography or reference list or the addresses of the experts or organizations quoted, or external links to the online sources.

 4. Does the article clearly state what information was used?

  • Whether the sources of information referenced in the article regarding treatment options are explicitly mentioned, eg, the results of a study or the opinions of an expert

  • Whether the sources of information are marked in the text, for example, references, addresses of cited experts or institutions, and links to online sources of information
5. Is it clear when the information used or reported in the publication was produced? HINT: Look for:

  • Dates of the main sources of information used to compile the publication

  • Date of any revisions of the publication (but not dates of reprinting in the case of print publications)

  • Date of publication (copyright date)

 5. Does the article clearly state when the information used was published? Please look for:

  • Date of the main sources of information used to write this article

  • Date of any revisions of the article (not dates of reprinting in the case of print publications)

  • Date of publication (copyright dates)
6. Is it balanced and unbiased? HINT: Look for:

  • A clear indication of whether the publication is written from a personal or objective point of view

  • Evidence that a range of sources of information was used to compile the publication, eg, more than one research study or expert

  • Evidence of an external assessment of the publication

 6. Is the article objective, impartial, and unbiased?

  • A clear statement of the writing angle: personal or objective

  • A clear statement of various sources of information used in the text, such as several studies or opinions of several experts

  • A clear statement of the external evaluation of the article
8. Does it refer to areas of uncertainty? HINT:

  • Look for discussion of the gaps in knowledge or differences in expert opinion concerning treatment choices.

  • Be wary if the publication implies that a treatment choice affects everyone in the same way, eg, 100% success rate with a particular treatment.

 8. Does the article mention some kind of uncertainty?

  • For example, there are controversies over knowledge and expert opinions on treatment options.

  • Close attention: Does the article indicate that a treatment choice is suitable for everyone, eg, a particular treatment is 100% effective?
10. Does it describe the benefits of each treatment? HINT: Benefits can include controlling or getting rid of symptoms, preventing the recurrence of the condition, and eliminating the condition, both short-term and long-term. 10. Does the article describe the advantages of each treatment option? Including long-term and short-term control or elimination of symptoms, prevention of recurrence, or complete cure of the disease.
11. Does it describe the risks of each treatment? HINT: Risks can include side effects, complications, and adverse reactions to treatment, both short-term and long-term. 11. Does the article describe the risks of each treatment option? Including long-term and short-term side effects, complications, or adverse reactions to treatment.

aThe original DISCERN instrument uses boldface to mark the questions for emphasis.

bItalicization was used in back translated items to mark translation manipulations.