Translation and validation of the 'Risk of bias' (RoB) tool to Brazilian Portuguese

Article type
Authors
Martimbianco ALC1, PorfĂ­rio GJM1, da Silva AA1, Freitas CG1, Parra MT1, Torres MFS1, Reiter M1, Pesavento T1, Riera R1, Torloni MR1, Atallah AN1
1Brazilian Cochrane Center, Brazil
Abstract
Background:
Methodological misconducts of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) may affect the results of studies, either overrating or underrating the effectiveness of an intervention. The Cochrane 'Risk of bias' (RoB) tool was developed to improve the accuracy of evaluating bias in RCTs. Many Cochrane authors are non-native English speakers and frequently struggle to understand the meaning of the terms and words used in this tool. The translation and validation of the RoB to other languages would facilitate the use of this tool by all review authors.

Objectives:
Present our experience in translating and validating the RoB tool into Brazilian Portuguese.

Methods:
The Brazilian Cochrane Center (CCB) team has been authorized by Handbook editors to conduct this study. We are following the process of translation and validation recommended by Beaton et al (2000).

Results:
The RoB tool is being translated into Portuguese by two independent Brazilian translators: 1) a Brazilian health professional experienced in evidence-based medicine and fluent in English, and 2) a professional English-Portuguese translator. Neither of them have been informed about the objectives of the study. The translations will be compared by a committee composed of translators, health professionals and researchers. The first version will be translated back into English by two native translators with good expertise in Brazilian Portuguese. The two versions will be compared and discussed by the committee. The pretest version will be evaluated by a group of 20 individuals who will check the clarity of the text. The committee will adapt the final version accordingly.

Conclusions:
The translation and validation of the Cochrane Collaboration RoB tool is ongoing. We expect that final version will be ready in 2014. This tool will help Brazilian authors in the conduct of future Cochrane Reviews.