Case study: PRIDD – scientifically documented specialist translations for a global patient-led research project
Initial situation
In the GRIDD (Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases) project, the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (IADPO) is developing the PRIDD questionnaire, an instrument with a sound scientific basis aimed at recording the quality of life of people with skin diseases worldwide. PRIDD stands for Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases. Following the successful completion of the first four development phases, translation into 16 languages was required. A specialist article was also desired to methodologically describe the entire translation process – as part of the overall scientific publication in renowned dermatological journals (for example, the British Journal of Dermatology and Acta Dermato-Venereologica).
Customer requirements
The IADPO commissioned 24translate with the realisation of this complex, academically rooted translation process and specified the following requirements:
- Translation of the questionnaire into 16 target languages (including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Hindi, Spanish (target country: Latin America))
- Gender-neutral, patient-orientated and technically accurate translation
- Involvement of patients to validate comprehensibility
- Provision of audit-proof documentation for subsequent publication
- Consistent processing within the framework of strict internal quality and project management processes
The challenges
The project demanded linguistic precision and required medical expertise as well as intercultural sensitivity – with close scientific supervision. Requirements were as follows:
- Implementation of a seven-stage translation workflow with multiple feedback cycles
- Reverse translations and detailed content reviews by the scientific developers of the PRIDD questionnaire
- Validation by patients to ensure legibility and cultural appropriateness
- Integration of detailed evaluation criteria into the translation analysis
- Consideration of different language structures, for example, when formulating question and answer options
- Flexible reworking in step 7 and also after the completion of individual phases to incorporate spontaneous feedback
- Complete transparency and traceability based on structured project-supporting documentation
- Finalisation of translation statements (proof of translation quality) and, in some cases, certified final translation as an additional step 8
Result
Despite the high level of complexity, numerous deadlines and a large number of international participants, the project was successfully realised:
- Translation and validation of the PRIDD questionnaire in 16 languages
- Implementation of all seven or eight steps, taking into account patient feedback
- Scientific documentation of the translation process as the basis for a planned specialist publication on the methodology
- Smooth collaboration with translators, proofreaders, scientists and patient representatives
- Positive feedback from the customer with respect to quality, deadline management and transparency
- Mention of 24translate in the planned scientific publication as a partner involved in implementation
Customer feedback
"It was, and continues to be a pleasure working with 24translate on our complex, scientifically rigorous translation process. Franziska and her team provided timely and high quality translations. They adapted easily to the methodological requirements and were able to develop a process that met our needs. We will continue to work with them on future projects."
— Allison Fitzgerald, Director of Operations, International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (IADPO)
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