Cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability revised (FLACCr) scale of pain assessment

Abstract

Objective:

to perform the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cultural adaptation of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability revised (FLACCr) scale, with children under 18 years old, affected by cerebral palsy, presenting or not cognitive impairment and unable to report their pain.

Method:

methodological development study of translation into Portuguese and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr. After approval by the ethics committee, the process aimed at translation and back-translation, evaluation of translation and back-translation using the Delphi technique and assessment of cultural equivalence. The process included the five categories of the scale and the four application instructions, considering levels of agreement equal to or greater than 80%.

Results:

it was necessary three rounds of the Delphi technique to achieve consensus among experts. The agreement achieved for the five categories was: Face 95.5%, Legs 90%, Activity 94.4%, Cry 94.4% and Consolability 99.4%. The four instructions achieved the following consensus levels: 1st 99.1%, 2nd 99.2%, 3rd 99.1% and 4th 98.3%.

Conclusion:

the method enabled the translation and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr. This is a study able to expand the knowledge of Brazilian professionals on pain assessment in children with CP

Descriptors:
Pain; Child; Cerebral Palsy; Validation Studies

Resumo

Objetivo:

realizar a tradução para a língua portuguesa do Brasil e adaptação cultural da escala Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability revised(FLACCr), com crianças de até 18 anos de idade, acometidas por paralisia cerebral, apresentando ou não comprometimento cognitivo e impossibilitadas de relatar sua dor.

Método:

estudo de desenvolvimento metodológico de tradução para o português e adaptação cultural da FLACCr. Após aprovação do comitê de ética, o processo contemplou tradução e retrotradução, avaliação da tradução e da retrotradução utilizando a técnica de Delphi e avaliação da equivalência cultural. O processo incluiu as cinco categorias da escala e as quatro orientações de aplicação, considerando nível de concordância igual ou maior a 80%.

Resultados:

foram necessários três ciclos da técnica de Delphi para consenso entre os juízes. A concordância obtida para as cinco categorias foi: Face 95,5%, Pernas 90%, Atividade 94,4%, Choro 94,4% e Consolabilidade 99,4%. As quatro orientações alcançaram os seguintes níveis de consenso: 1ª 99,1%, 2ª 99,2%, 3ª 99,1% e 4ª 98,3%.

Conclusão:

o método possibilitou o desenvolvimento da tradução e adaptação cultural da FLACCr. Sendo um estudo capaz de ampliar o conhecimento de profissionais brasileiros sobre a avaliação da dor em crianças com PC.

Descritores:
Dor; Criança; Paralisia Cerebral; Estudos de Validação

Resumen

Objetivo:

realizar la traducción para el portugués de Brasil y la adaptación cultural de la escala, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability revised(FLACCr), con niños menores de 18 años de edad, afectados por la parálisis cerebral, presentando o no deterioro cognitivo y que no pueden comunicar su dolor.

Método:

estudio de desarrollo metodológico de traducción al portugués y adaptación cultural de la FLACCr. Después de la aprobación por el comité de ética, el proceso incluyó la traducción y retrotraducción, evaluación de la traducción y retrotraducción utilizando la técnica Delphi y evaluación de la equivalencia cultural. El proceso incluyó las cinco categorías de la escala y las cuatro orientaciones de aplicación, teniendo en cuenta nivel de concordancia igual o superior al 80%.

Resultados:

fueron necesarios tres ciclos de la técnica Delphi para el consenso entre los jueces. La concordancia obtenida para las cinco categorías fue: Cara 95,5%, Piernas 90%, Actividad 94,4%, Llanto 94,4% y Capacidad de Consuelo 99,4%. Las cuatro orientaciones alcanzaron los siguientes niveles de consenso: 1ª 99,1%, 2ª 99,2%, 3ª 99,1% y 4ª 98,3%.

Conclusión:

el método permitió el desarrollo de la traducción y adaptación cultural de la FLACCr. Este estudio fue capaz de aumentar el conocimiento de los profesionales brasileños en la evaluación del dolor en niños con PC.

Descriptores:
Dolor; Niño; Parálisis Cerebral; Estudios de Validación

Introduction

Pain assessment in the pediatric population demands technical-scientific knowledge and practical skill. It is a complex process, both for the professionals who provide care, and for researchers ¹. The challenge becomes more evident when related to the pain assessment in children with neurological impairment, especially of the cognitive system and speech.

Among the most prevalent pathologies that compromise the neurological system of the child stands out Cerebral Palsy (CP), which affects around 2 to 3:1000 live births in developed countries ²and anchors the focus of this study.

CP is defined as a group of disorders of the development of posture and movement, causing restriction of activity, attributed to non-progressive disturbances in the brain during fetal development or infancy. The motor disorders of CP are often accompanied by sensory, cognitive, communication and perception disturbances, occurring or not behavioral disorders and convulsive process ³. In view of this complexity, the use of validated and reliable pain assessment tools is a recommended practice^(4-5).

Among the structured tools for pain assessment in children with neurological impairment, stands out the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability revised (FLACCr).

The FLACC scale of pain assessment was developed in 1997, based on behavioral parameters, intended for use by health professionals and aiming at contributing to clinical practice in pain assessment in nonverbal children or with speech impairment, which are unable to report their pain ⁴. Since 2002, the authors of the FLACC scale made modifications in the evaluation descriptors, in order to adapt it to the care of children with cognitive impairment, aged between 4 and 19 years. The authors named it FLACC revised (FLACCr) or revised FLACC (rFLACC)^(5-7), and changed and expanded to four the number of application instructions of the scale.

The FLACCr presents five evaluation categories, with combined scores ranging from zero to ten. The author classified the scores as follows: zero to three (mild pain); four to six (moderate pain) and seven to ten (severe pain).

Given the paucity of research on systematic pain assessment in children with CP, this study aimed to perform the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr scale of pain assessment with children affected by CP, presenting cognitive impairment or not and unable to report their pain.

Method

This is a methodological development study for translation into Portuguese and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr scale of pain assessment. After formal authorization from the author of the scale, the study was developed in two stages: translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr scale of pain assessment. The study was submitted to the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of São Paulo, and approved under protocol number 1480/10.

The criteria for translation and cultural adaptation of the FLACCr scale into Portuguese followed a specific model, considering three stages: translation and back-translation, evaluation of translation and backtranslation and cultural equivalence ⁸.

Translation into Portuguese and back-translation into English

Translation and back-translation were performed by two independent certified translators, not belonging to the healthcare area, with fluency in both languages, inclusive in their colloquial forms.

Evaluation of translation and back-translation by an expert committee

Five experts were invited, according to the following inclusion criteria: fluency in English; availability to participate in the project by the final consensus on the instrument; master's degree as minimum postgraduate level, on the theme "Pain in the pediatric/neonatal population"; practice in clinical pediatric for over a year; experience in assisting child with CP (with or without comorbidities) and other neurological disorders (periods stratified in the questionnaire); and formal acceptance of their participation by signing the Free Informed Consent Form.

The method used to achieve consensus was the Delphi technique, which ensures anonymity of the experts, with absolute confidentiality of the responses. The evaluation was performed based on the set of these experts' responses. The method allowed to achieve consensus among a group of experts on a phenomenon of a certain area of knowledge ⁹.

To carry out the evaluation of the FLACCr, it was used the Likert scale, which is based on the indication of a degree of agreement or disagreement of the translation and back translation, comparing them with the original scale. In this process, it was included the five evaluation categories/indicators and the four scale application instructions. For each item evaluated the following classification was used: Strongly Disagree (SD); Disagree (D); Neither Agree Nor Disagree (NAND); Agree (A); Strongly Agree (SA).

It was asked to the experts to assess the semantic equivalence, idiomatic equivalence and experimental or cultural equivalence ⁸. This evaluation also aimed to verify the validation of the content of the scale.

Cultural equivalence

This phase aimed to analyze the equivalence between the original and final versions of the scale. It was opted for the investigative technique, which recommends a sample of participants, preferably between 30 and 40, to evaluate the final version of the scale ¹⁰. Accordingly, 38 professionals were invited (18 nurses, 10 physicians and 10 physiotherapists), and 30 (78.9%) returned the completed questionnaires.

These professionals evaluated the title, the five categories of pain assessment proposed in the FLACCr scale, with their respective descriptors and the four scale's application instructions, according to the following attributes ¹¹: Comprehensibility - the category evaluated expressed clarity and intelligibility; Simplicity - the category evaluated expressed one idea; Objectivity - the assessed category allows one response, considering the behaviors described; Typicity - the evaluated category is expressed in a consistent or typical way proper of the assessed category; Relevance - the category evaluated expresses relevance with consistent phrases; Credibility - the evaluated category is described in a way that does not seem uncharacteristic or unreasonable.

The evaluation of each attribute was performed by means of the Likert scale, with the classifications SD, D, NAND, A and SA.

Some researchers consider that the minimum consensus levels are between 50% and 80% ¹²¹³. Therefore, it was selected the minimum level of agreement of 80%, both for the five experts, in the consensus phase of the translation and cultural equivalence, as for the 30 professionals who participated in the cultural adaptation phase.

The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, measurements of absolute and relative frequencies of the responses emitted by the committee of five experts and by the 30 health professionals, considering levels of agreement equal to or greater than 80%. The results were obtained by the sum of the values of the classification items SA and A of the Likert scale.

The final version of the instrument back-translated into English was sent to the author of the original scale, and had full agreement with the Brazilian version.

Results

The participants of the experts committee were a physician and four nurses, respecting all the inclusion criteria previously established. The translated and backtranslated versions of the scale were sent to the experts for consensus, thus constituting the first round of evaluation.

In the results of the expert committee, it was observed that the instrument had not achieved consensus equal to or greater than 80% in the translation and backtranslation of the categories: Face (60% consensus in translation and 40% in back-translation), Activity (40% consensus in translation and 50% in back-translation), Cry (60% consensus in translation and 50% in backtranslation), Consolability (60% consensus in translation and 60% in back- translation), 1^st scale application instruction (60% consensus in translation and 60% in back-translation), 2^ndinstruction (40% consensus in translation), 3^rd instruction (60% consensus in translation and 60% in back-translation) and 4^thinstruction (20% consensus in translation and 20% in back-translation).

The description of the Activity category, in the score 1, was sent to the author of the original scale, to clarify the term splinting, as suggested by one of the experts. The author explained that this word is related to the respiratory condition of the child, contributing to the consensus of the committee. The word gasping was maintained in English, because there is no translation into Portuguese and it is often used in clinical practice.

The suggestions of the committee were adopted, continuing the second round of evaluation by the experts.

By receiving the versions of the second round, it was identified a lack of consensus for the 4^th scale application instruction. The researchers considered the suggestions of the experts, requiring a third round. After the versions of the committee has returned, it was identified agreement equal to or greater than 80% in all categories of the scale.

The author of the original scale asked to maintain the title as it stands in English (FLACCr), with possible insertion of the letter "r" at the beginning or end of the title. Consequently, the symbol FLACCr was maintained in the Portuguese version spoken in Brazil, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1
Final version in Portuguese spoken in Brazil of the FLACCr scale of pain assessment. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2013

In the cultural equivalence phase, of the 30 participating professionals, 18 were nurses, six physicians and six physiotherapists. Of the total, 28 (93.3%) were female and 26 (86.6%) had professional training time and time of performance in pediatrics greater than 10 years. When they were asked about the approximate frequency of assistance to children with CP in the last year, 11 (36.6%) responded that daily took care of children with CP, 11 (36.6%) took care often (more than once a month), seven (23.6%) took care few times (once every two months) and one (3.2%) rarely took care (once every three months).

The professionals evaluated the five categories of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale, considering the attributes Comprehensibility, Simplicity and Objectivity, as shown in Table 1, and Typicity, Relevance and Credibility, as shown in Table 2.

The five categories of the scale, shown in Tables 1and 2, achieved consensus greater than 80%, ranging as follows: Face from 93% to 100% (95.5% average); Legs from 83.3% to 93.3% (90% average); Activity from 90% to 100% (94.4% average); Cry from 90% to 96.6% (94.4 average); and Consolability from 96.7% to 100% (99.4% average). Although the Legs category had achieved consensus with satisfactory results, it presented the lowest average of agreement when compared to the other categories. The 30 professionals also evaluated the four instructions for the application of the scale, according to the attributes Comprehensibility, Simplicity, Relevance and Credibility, as shown in Table 3.

The four scale instructions achieved consensus greater than 80%, ranging as follows: 1^st instruction from 96.7% to 100% (99.1% average); 2^nd instruction from 96.7% to 99.2% (99.2% average); 3^rd instruction from 96.7% to 100% (99.1% average); and 4^th instruction from 96.6% to 100% (98.3% average). The four instructions presented excellent agreement rates, with the lowest average in the 4^th instruction.

Table 1
Evaluation of the attributes Comprehensibility, Simplicity and Objectivity, of the five categories of the FLACCr. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2013

Table 2
Evaluation of the attributes Typicity, Relevance and Credibility, of the five categories of the FLACCr. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2013

Table 3
Evaluation of the attributes Comprehensibility, Simplicity, Relevance and Credibility, of the four instructions of the FLACCr. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 2013

Discussion

The selection of the scale to be translated and submitted to cultural adaptation was determined after various researches in the literature, involving discussions with professionals on feasible instruments to be applied at the bedside and previous experience of the researchers in using the FLACC. Some authors describe the FLACCr as a tool of easy application at the bedside and discuss the accuracy and sensitivity of other instruments for use in children with neurological impairment. The purpose is to assist in the best possible way, this population so vulnerable^(14-15).

Is worth mentioning that, in 2011, the Royal College of Nursing ¹⁶published a guide of good clinical practices for recognition and evaluation of acute pain in children, which included the evaluation of children with neurological impairment. Among the existing instruments, the FLACCr was indicated as an appropriate tool for this population. It was emphasized the importance of the fourth scale instruction, in which family/caregiver are asked about specific behaviors considered warning signs for the characterization of pain. The guide also emphasized that instruments must contain well-established validity and reliability.

This study provides a specific method. Researchers in this area recommend two translators for validation and two translators for back-translation ⁸. In 2003, it was proposed to simplify the methodology, specifically in the stages of translation and back-translation ¹⁷. In this sense, some authors have simplified the stages of translation and back-translation without compromising the quality of the final version^(18-19).

This study followed the method described in the literature ⁸, with variation in the number of translators in the stages of translation and back-translation, which did not influence in the results presented in Tables 1, 2 and 3. As consensus, it was considered agreement indexes greater than or equal to 80%.

The 30 professionals (experts) who participated in the assessment of cultural equivalence of the FLACCr were from different categories (multidisciplinary), according to the theoretical reference used^(8,10). The group was comprised by professionals with experience in pediatrics and assistance for children with CP, evidencing that 26 (86.6%) had experience in the area of pediatrics for over 10 years and 73.2% had assisted children with CP daily and frequently in the previous year. It is possible to state that, the results obtained in the cultural equivalence phase, in which the adjustment has been completed, are consistent with evidence of satisfactory results.

By evaluating the consensus results, as shown in Tables 1and 2, it is observed that the Legs category achieved the lowest level of agreement among experts, ranging from 83.3% to 93.3% and average of 90% in the attributes evaluated, when compared to other categories, especially in the attributes Comprehensibility, Typicity and Relevance.

Children with CP may present significant variations related to postural impairment and movement of the limbs. According to the proposal, using the scale of pain assessment, the evaluator should talk to family/ caregiver on behavior and conducts considered normal for the child and warning signs of pain, representing a complementary procedure for an accurate evaluation. In the absence of family/caregiver, the professional is committed to observe the child more frequently, recognizing behaviors and normal postures and warning signs ²⁰. It was also investigated the definition of the word "Normal" in a Portuguese dictionary ²¹: it refers to what is common or usual. Thus, the descriptors of the Legs category were maintained according to established consensus.

The 4^th scale instruction had the lowest level of agreement among experts, in the first round. The discussion among the experts was related to the comprehension of the first sentence of the orientation: "The revised FLACC can be used for all non-verbal children". Some experts asked whether the scale could be used only for non-verbal children. At the end of the 3^rd round, it was achieved consensus among the experts on the applicability of the FLACCr for all non-verbal children and the descriptors added in bold apply to children with cognitive impairment. In other words, the author has maintained the original FLACC scale, appropriate for all non-verbal children (without neurological impairment) and added descriptors for children with neurological impairment on the same scale, resulting in the FLACCr.

The 4^th orientation has achieved excellent levels of agreement among experts, ranging from 96.6% to 100% and average of 98.3%, regarding pain assessment in non-verbal children. However, the 4^th instruction is clear and highlights that the practitioner can approach the family/caregiver to discuss specific behaviors indicative of pain, which can be added to the scale, so that other professionals have access to this information. Researchers on the theme reinforce the importance of family approach/caregivers of children with CP, helping in the recognition of signals of pain and thus contributing to a better clinical outcome^(20,22).

The other categories of the scale achieved consensus greater than 80%, with some considerations on the approximation of the professional at the bedside, in the approach of family/caregiver.

Is worth mentioning that, it is still incipient the discussions on pain assessment in vulnerable populations, such as children with CP. The difficulties are broad and the lack of professionals qualified and interested in the theme generates inefficiency in clinical practice. Some studies reveal that individuals with cognitive impairment are particularly vulnerable to undertreatment of pain when compared to those without cognitive impairment and able to report their pain. Moreover, some researchers have described the lack of standards of pain assessment for this population as vulnerable^(5-6). Consequently, it is urgent in this environment, the instrumentalization of health professionals with tools able to standardize the practices and generate clinical and administrative indicators. Validated instruments of pain assessment are useful tools when used in a planned and systematic manner, particularly in the development of the discussion within the care team on forms of assessment and management of pain, enabling continuous process improvement ¹⁴.

Conclusion

By following the methodological instructions, it was possible to develop, with satisfactory results, the translation and adaptation of the FLACCr scale of pain assessment.

The selection of the participating professionals of this first stage was essential to achieve the stated results.

The use of scales of pain assessment is a reality in some institutions. It is recommended the provision of properly validated scales. If the healthcare team chooses an existing instrument in another language, it is necessary to develop the process of translation and cultural adaptation. Therefore, it will be possible to assess pain more reliably.

The next stage of this study is to evaluate the reliability and consistency of the psychometric properties of the FLACCr in children with CP.

This is one of the pioneering works in Brazil focused on the pediatric population with CP, presenting or not cognitive impairment. In addition, the study requires continuity, so that this population is favored with adequate pain management.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  July-Aug 2015

History

• Received
  14 Feb 2014
• Accepted
  21 Feb 2015