A Spanish version for the new ERA-EDTA coding system for primary renal disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The European Renal Association and the European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) developed a new English coding system for primary kidney disease (PKD).
• The existing coding system for primary renal diagnoses had been in use for over 40 years and presented identified problems.
• The new ERA-EDTA coding system aims to resolve issues associated with the previous diagnostic list.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate and adapt the new ERA-EDTA PKD coding system into Spanish.
• To facilitate the use of the new codes for professionals working in Spanish within the Registro Español de Enfermos Renales (REER).
• To address the need for accessible terminology, definitions, and notes for Spanish-speaking users.

Main Methods:

• Bilingual nephrologists performed a professional translation of the ERA-EDTA codes.
• A terminological adaptation process involved multiple review phases to compare translation outputs.
• Codes, definitions, diagnostic criteria, and paragraphs were systematically reviewed, with agreements and disagreements documented.

Main Results:

• A high level of agreement was achieved during the initial review phase.
• Only five points of discrepancy remained after the first review.
• All remaining discrepancies were resolved in the final review phase, leading to a consensus version.

Conclusions:

• The Spanish translation and adaptation of the ERA-EDTA PKD coding system represent a significant improvement.
• This adaptation will aid in the introduction and utilization of the new coding system.
• It is expected to reduce coding time and shorten the adaptation period for healthcare workers.