Patient-Doctor Depth-of-Relationship Scale was translated into Finnish – results support content validity
Background Continuity in the patient-doctor relationship benefits the patient, the doctor and society. One dimension of continuity, the depth of the patient-doctor relationship, can be measured using the Patient-Doctor Depth-of-Relationship (PDDR) Scale. The scale is based on a theoretical framework developed through scientific research in the UK, identifying knowledge, trust, loyalty and regard as elements of the depth of the patient-doctor relationship. The aim of this study was to translate the PDDR scale into Finnish and to assess content validity of the translation.
Methods The questionnaire was translated into Finnish and then back translated into English to ensure content consistency. Altogether 27 patients who completed the scale were interviewed.
Results As a result of the process, the Finnish version of the PDDR scale was developed. Patients found the translated scale’s questions important and understandable. Patients brought up elements of the depth of the patient-doctor relationship, which formed the basis of the original PDDR scale.
Conclusions The results support the content validity of the Finnish PDDR scale. Future research should focus on other characteristics and clinical significance of the Finnish PDDR scale.
Sofia Sotisaari, Markku Timonen, Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow, Janne Mäkelä, Matthew J Ridd, Juha Auvinen
