Translating the Patient Dignity Inventory

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Psychometrics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) is a validated instrument for assessing dignity-related distress.
• It has been widely used in practice and research globally.
• The PDI had not previously been adapted or validated for use in Sweden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) into Swedish.
• To culturally adapt the PDI for clinical use in Sweden.
• To ensure semantic, conceptual, and experiential equivalence for the Swedish version.

Main Methods:

• A multi-step process including translation and negotiated consensus.
• Expert group discussions (n=7) were conducted.
• Cognitive interviews with persons needing palliative care (n=7) were performed.

Main Results:

• Linguistic and cultural issues were addressed through revisions, focusing on equivalence.
• A pilot version was created for cognitive interviews.
• Most items were deemed relevant by patients receiving palliative care.

Conclusions:

• The translation and adaptation process enhanced clarity and consistency of the PDI.
• The Swedish version of the PDI is suitable for assessing dignity-related distress.
• Future research will involve psychometric testing in a larger patient cohort.