Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire “Empowering Patients On Choices For Renal Replacement Therapy” for the Brazilian context

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. In Brazil, the incidence and prevalence rates of dialysis CKD progressively increase, but the transition process is a challenge for patients and caregivers in coping with the disease. Dialysis urgency, lack of planned access or prior knowledge of treatment is a reality for most. Guidelines recommend that treatment options should include the conscious preference of a fully informed patient. However, pre-dialysis educational information is an exception, leading to a large number of unplanned initial dialysis. The original study “Empowering Patients on Choices for Renal Replacement Therapy” (EPOCH-RRT) aimed to identify patient priorities and gaps in shared decision-making about dialysis, using structured interviews with questions about demographics, clinical history and patients' perception of their health. The goal of this study was to carry out the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaires used in the EPOCH-RRT Study for the Brazilian context. Method: This is a methodological study that consisted of the initial translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, review by a committee of experts, pre-test and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. All ethical precepts were followed. Results: The questionnaires were translated, adapted and validated for the Brazilian context. Additionally, it was applied to 84 chronic renal patients on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and outpatients. Discussion: There is a lack of an educational-therapeutic approach aimed at patients with CKD, and the EPOCH-RRT questionnaire can be a tool for Brazilian dialysis services to change this paradigm.