Translating the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to Danish, addressing face and content validity

Abstract

Background: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a recognized assessment tool within Danish occupational therapy (OT), and translated versions of the COPM have been implemented in Danish OT practice. However, a rigorous translation and cross-cultural validation process has not been applied to these versions.

Aims: To produce a new Danish translation of the COPM evaluating its semantic, conceptual, operational and item equivalence while addressing its face and content validity.

Methods: An iterative, multistage translation process was undertaken with (1) forward translation involving professional translators and bilingual OTs, (2) pilot testing and cognitive debriefing interviews with 15 OTs and 37 clients which were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, and (3) finalization with adaptations, back translation and approval.

Results: Content validity of COPM in terms of appropriateness, acceptability, intelligibility and comprehensiveness was found in 78–100% of the cases, and its ability to ensure a client-centred focus in the assessment process was confirmed. However, issues concerning the administration and content of the COPM were identified. Subsequently, two recommendations regarding the administration of the COPM were added to the Danish version.

Conclusion: Semantic, conceptual, operational and aspects of item equivalence of the COPM into Danish were achieved and supported by face and content validity.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• client-centred practice
• cross-cultural validation
• occupational taxonomy
• occupational therapy practice
• translation equivalences

Acknowledgements

This study received financial support from The Foundations of the Danish Association of Occupational Therapy and Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen, Denmark. The authors would like to thank all of the participating occupational therapists and their clients for their support, time, and commitment to the study. Special thanks are extended to the authors of the COPM for their cooperation in the translation process.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

The Danish Association of Occupational Therapy and the Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen, Denmark.