Translation Process

All translations/adaptations of EQ-5D are produced using a standardized translation protocol that conforms to internationally recognized guidelines. These guidelines aim to ensure equivalence to the English ‘source’ version and involve a forward/backward translation process and cognitive debriefing. No translation can receive official endorsement from the EuroQol Research Foundation, unless it has been performed in strict adherence according to the EuroQol Research Foundation’s translation guidelines. The agencies we work with are compliant with our requirements.

Please remember that copyright of all translations remains with the Foundation.

A new whiteboard animation ‘Translating patient reported outcome measures for use around the world: the example of EQ-5D’ , providing a step-by-step overview of how to translate a PROM by showing how EuroQol undertakes the process for EQ-5D is available on Vimeo and YouTube in the languages English, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. The static ‘big picture’ of the animation can be viewed below.

CHOOSE LANGUAGES

English
Spanish
Chinese
Japanese

How to proceed?

If you want to use the EQ-5D or request an EQ-5D version that is not available, please register here. Please find more information in our EQ-5D User License Policy.

A member of the EuroQol Office team will confirm safe receipt of the Translation Request and provide you with feasibility information, an estimated timeline and corresponding Approval Letter for signature within 10 business days. After confirmation of receipt of the signed Approval Letter, EuroQol will initiate the translation project.

Default timelines EQ translation process

10 business days from confirmation of receipt Translation Request to estimated project timeline from specialist translation agencies
10 business days from confirmation of receipt signed Approval Letter to project initiation
5 months on average to project completion

Note: these are our default response times. The overall timeline is also determined by the responsiveness of our clients and available linguistic resources for the requested language/country/mode of administration.

Translation certificates

Translation certificates for Paper Self-Complete versions are applicable for all corresponding modes of administration and can be provided upon request. Translation certificates only confirm and reflect the most extensive translation procedure and will not be revised whenever minor or major modifications are being made which in itself does not change the procedure.

(Version 3AUG2020)