Translation and validation of the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias into German

Article type
Authors
Buchberger B1, Katzer C1, Huppertz H1, Wasem J1
1University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute for Health Care Management and Research, Germany
Abstract
Background: Working inter alia with the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB)-tool for Health Technology Assessments, systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses, the idea of a translated version came up being helpful for teachers and lecturers in evidence-based medicine (EbM). They would be able to communicate topics much more quickly and easily. Furthermore, a translation into the mother tongue could help medical professionals, developers of guidelines, patient advocacy-, and patient self-help groups and single patients to gain a better knowledge and a deeper understanding of the principles of EbM.

Objectives: Our work will contribute to the further dissemination of EbM-principles as well as to the academization of paramedical professions.

Methods: According to the methods described by Beaton et al. 2000 and in close cooperation with the German Cochrane Centre, a translation and validation of the RoB-tool and its information will be undertaken. Beaton et al. describe the process of translation in six stages: In stage one and two, an informed and an uninformed translator will work out a translation each into the target language and synthesize the results. In stage three at least two native speakers without medical background and unaware of the original version will create back-translations. To achieve a prefinal version, a committee will be established at stage four, consisting of all translators, methodologists, language professionals and possibly health professionals. In stage five a pretest with about 40 subjects will be conducted followed by stage six, an audit wherein the developers of the tool or the committee will appraise the adaptation process. Further validity-tests should be desirable. The editors of the Cochrane Handbook are being requested.

Conclusions: The ease of use and transparency of the RoB-tool as well as its simply understandable graphical representation of assessment-results are the most persuasive reasons to increase the degree of the instruments’ prominence.