PROMs, Translation and Iaith mewn Iechyd

CEDAR works with the Welsh Value in Health Centre to translate and validate health questionnaires called PROMs (Patient Reported Outcome Measures).

What are PROMs?

PROMs are sets of questions completed by patients which can help us understand people’s symptoms and quality of life. They are used by the NHS to assess and improve the treatment and care that it provides.

As the data collected from PROMs can heavily influence the choice of treatments, services and health policy, these health questionnaires must therefore be as robust as possible, in order to collect the most accurate data. They are developed using scientific processes to ensure validity and reliability for the best performance.

Why and how are PROMs translated into Welsh?

In order to use PROMs in Wales, they must be translated into Welsh in accordance with legal requirements and for fairness and inclusiveness for Welsh speakers. However, a poor translation threatens the validation work done during the development of the English PROM.

As a result, the CEDAR team follows a translation process adapted from the ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research) Guidelines.

The translation method includes:
1)   Forward translation
Two translations from English to Welsh by qualified and independent translators.
2)   Reconciliation
The two forward-translations are merged by a third person, to create one Welsh version.
3)   Back-translation
Two back-translations from Welsh to English by qualified and independent translators. Then, the back-translations are compared with the original English questionnaire to rule out any discrepancies.
4)   Validation
The CEDAR team engages with a minimum of five to ten Welsh speakers and asks them to test the translation to ensure that the Welsh is clear and understandable.
5)   Validation Review
CEDAR reviews the feedback from Welsh-speakers and adjusts the translation, where appropriate.

Iaith mewn Iechyd

What is Iaith mewn Iechyd?

Iaith mewn Iechyd is a recently launched group of Welsh-speaking volunteers who help us check and improve Welsh translations of PROMs (medical questionnaires) used across NHS Wales.

Translating these documents isn’t just about word-for-word accuracy. It’s about making sure Welsh speakers understand them in the same way that English speakers do.

That’s where Iaith mewn Iechyd comes in.

Why do we need YOUR help?

After we translate PROMs into Welsh, we need to make sure the translation is:

• Easily understood by a wide range of Welsh speakers
• As accurate in meaning as the English version

You don’t need any special experience, just a willingness to share your honest opinion.

Here’s what taking part involves:

•   A relaxed, informal chat with a member of our team
•   Reading and reviewing a translation together
•   Giving your thoughts on whether the Welsh is clear and natural
•   Suggesting improvements if something doesn’t seem quite right to you

Your feedback directly shapes the quality of bilingual care in NHS Wales.

How do I sign up?

If you’d like to help improve NHS care for Welsh speakers, join our Iaith mewn Iechyd group.

When you sign up:

•   We’ll securely store your contact details
•   We’ll ask (only if you're happy to share) whether you currently have or previously had any health conditions, so that we can contact you about relevant questionnaires
•   We may contact you from time to time to help us test other translated documents
•   Your information will be treated with complete confidentiality

Complete our sign-up form by scanning the QR code above or by clicking on this link: https://integration2.cavuhb.nhs.wales/surveys/?s=38JJJ9CX99JX83NW

Email us at: iaithmewniechyd.CEDAR.cav@wales.nhs.uk

What if I change my mind?

No problem. After signing up, we’ll confirm everything by email. If you decide you’d rather not take part, just email us and we’ll delete your contact details — no questions asked.

What if I have any question about taking part?

Please feel free to contact us with any question via email (iaithmewniechyd.CEDAR.cav@wales.nhs.uk) or phone call (02921844056)