Initial linguistic and cultural validation of the satisfaction survey for inflatable penile implant (SSIPI) in Spanish

Introduction

The Satisfaction Survey for Inflatable Penile Implant (SSIPI) is useful tool to assess patient outcomes after inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. However, this survey is not validated in Spanish. This work aims to report the initial steps carried out for the linguistic validation of the SSIPI translation into Spanish.

Method

The linguistic validation process had the following steps: (i) SSIPI forward translation, (ii) reconciliation, (iii) back translation, (iv) harmonization, review, and correction of the translation, and (v) cognitive interviewing and testing the new translated version. Urologists from Spain, South America, and the United States participated in these steps. The last step was performed in 3 centers: (i) Medellín, Colombia; (ii) Florida, United States; and (iii) Madrid, Spain.

Results

19 Spanish-speaking patients tested the initial translated version of SSIPI. Most patients found the translated SSIPI questionnaire easy to understand; however, of the 16 questions, patients most frequently commented that questions 3, 5, and 7 should be modified. The median number of observations or comments per question was 1 (1, 3). Based on these suggestions, the research group adapted the questionnaire to obtain the final version in Spanish.

Conclusion

This study evaluates the initial steps for the translation and linguistic validation of the SSIPI questionnaire into Spanish. The results indicate a remarkable level of readability and comprehension, while some challenges were observed in certain questions. This work demonstrates that a standardized and protocolized process is needed to translate and validate surveys into Spanish.