Translation of a Multi-disciplinary Assessment - Procedures to Achieve Functional Equivalence

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Abstract
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) is an instrument for evaluating functional performance in disabled children aged 6 months to 7.5 years. PEDI measures both performance and caregiver assistance in three domains: (1) self-care, (2) mobility and (3) social function. It is often used as an inter-disciplinary tool to monitor changes in performance of functional skills. The aim of this article is to describe methodological considerations and choices made during the translation of the PEDI. International guidelines were used to ensure content equivalence and comparability. It was necessary to expand on the procedures for translation in order to ensure a selection of common terminology that would be appropriate for a number of different professionals groups. Consensus meetings had to be held at regular intervals throughout the translation procedure: within the research group, and with representatives of different professions (psychologist, speech pathologist, urotherapist, dietician and nurse). The article describes and discusses the procedures used, including the challenges related to the translation of a multidisciplinary assessment tool.