Table 3.

Comparison of the back translated English version with the original English version in terms of similarity of interpretability (SI) and comparability of language (CL).

Original English version	Back translated English version	SI	CL
1. Are the aims clear? HINTa: 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 of the following questions: What is it about What may be covered or uncovered in it Who would find it useful	1	2
2. Does it achieve its aims? HINT: Consider whether the publication provides the information it aimed to as outlined in Question 1.	2. Did the article achieve its intended purpose? Consider whether the article provides the following information: What is it about What may be covered or uncovered in it Who would find it useful	1	2
3. Is it relevant? HINT: Consider whether: The publication addresses the questions that readers might ask Recommendations and suggestions concerning treatment choices are realistic or appropriate	3. Does the article address questions that readers may ask? Whether the treatment options available in the article are feasible and targeted	2	4
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	2	3
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)	1	2
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	2	2
7. Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? HINT: Look for suggestions for further reading or for details of other organizations providing advice and information about the condition and treatment choices.	7. Does the article detail other sources of support and information? Look in the text for suggestions for further reading or other organizations that provide advice and information on conditions and treatment options.	1	1
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?	2	3
9. Does it describe how each treatment works?HINT: Look for a description of how a treatment acts on the body to achieve its effect.	9. Does the article describe the specific operations of each treatment? Please look for a description in the text that a certain treatment works and produces curative effects in the human body.	2	3
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.	1	2
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.	1	1
12. Does it describe what would happen if no treatment is used? HINT: Look for a description of the risks and benefits of postponing treatment, of watchful waiting (ie, monitoring how the condition progresses without treatment), or of permanently forgoing treatment.	12. Does the article describe the consequences of not taking any treatment? Look in the text for descriptions of the risks and benefits of delaying treatment, expecting treatment (to watch the disease progress), or forgoing treatment forever.	2	2
13. Does it describe how the treatment choices affect the overall quality of life? HINT: Look for: Description of the effects of the treatment choices on day-to-day activity Description of the effects of the treatment choices on relationships with family, friends, and carers	13. Does the article describe the impact of treatment options on quality of life? The article describes the impact of treatment options on daily life, as well as on the patient’s relationship with family, friends, and caregivers.	1	1
14. Is it clear that there may be more than one possible treatment choice? HINT: Look for: A description of who is most likely to benefit from each treatment choice mentioned and under what circumstances Suggestions of alternatives to consider or investigate further (including choices not fully described in the publication) before deciding whether to select or reject a particular treatment choice	14. Does the article provide more than one treatment option? Whether the article mentions the patient population for which each treatment option is appropriate and in what circumstances it would be helpful to the patient Whether the article proposes other alternative treatment options, including those not adequately described in the article, before the patient decides to choose or forgo a treatment option	1	2
15. Does it provide support for shared decision-making? HINT: Look for suggestions of things to discuss with family, friends, doctors, or other health professionals concerning treatment choices.	15. Did the article help the patient’s family, friends, doctor, or other medical staff work together to choose the best treatment option for the patient?	2	4
16. Based on the answers to all of the above questions, rate the overall quality of the publication as a source of information about treatment choices.	16. Please rate the overall quality of the article as a source of information on treatment options based on your answers to all of the above questions.	1	2

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