Logo

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Dutch EMPATHIC-N questionnaire for Italian NICU settings to measure parent satisfaction

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Dutch EMPATHIC-N questionnaire for Italian NICU settings to measure parent satisfaction

Abstract

Background

The quality of family-centered care (FCC) in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is often assessed through Parental satisfaction (PS). Empathic-N, a validated questionnaire to evaluate PS in NICU, was recently developed in the Netherlands (Latour, 2012).To our knowledge similar instruments have not yet been applied to Italy.

Aims

The aim of this project is to translate the 57-item EMPATHIC-N questionnaire taking the Italian cultural adaptation into account.

Methods

The translation process followed a structured method including forward and backward translation (Wild et al 2005). The cultural adaptation was assessed by asking parents (n=12) of two participating NICUs in Italy to review the translated version. A second phase will consist of the psychometric validation of the questionnaire, involving 7 NICUs across Italy. Ethical approval is granted by the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Written informed consent forms will be collected.

Results

Twelve parents (1 non-native speaker) were interviewed to test the understandability and readability of each item. Only 5 items did not reach complete consent. However, none fell below the cut-off of 80% agreement and needed revision. No relevant differences were observed between the backward translation and the original version of the questionnaire.

Results

Further psychometric testing of the Italian version of the EMPATHIC-N is needed to support its validity and reliability. This version of Empathic-N questionnaire will constitute an important tool to monitor the quality of FCC in Italian NICUs.

Acknowledgement

The contribution of the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship for the funding to this project is acknowledged.

Contact us

La Segreteria del Centro di Eccellenza is at your service for questions and insights

loading spinner