Providing health information to older adults

Challenges When Translating and Culturally Adapting a Measurement Instrument: The Suitability and Comprehensibility of Materials (SAM+CAM)

There is evidence that low suitability and comprehensibility of printed education materials (PEMs) affects patients’ and relatives’ ability to read and comprehend information. However, few instruments measure the suitability of written information, and none exist in the Swedish language. The aim was to describe the translation and adaptation of the Suitability and Comprehensibility of Materials (SAM+CAM) instrument into the Swedish language and health care context and to explore challenges related to this process. The SAM+CAM instrument was translated and culturally adapted in five steps: forward translation, synthesis, back translation, expert review, and pretests. Differences were found when translating and culturally adapting the SAM+CAM instrument in the areas of semantic, idiomatic, and experiences. Participants revealed several clarity inconsistencies between items. They also identified linguistic differences and unfamiliar wording; they found that the instrument was perplexing to use and lacked knowledge regarding the specific health care areas in the examined PEMs. The cultural perspective is a significant factor that influences the usability of PEMs. Therefore, expert groups of participants are useful when adapting instruments to different cultures. The Swedish SAM+CAM instrument requires experienced and highly qualified raters.

An exploration of strategies used by older people to obtain information about health- and social care services in the community

PURPOSE

To explore the strategies used by older people living in Ireland to obtain information about community health and social services.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory design was used. Focus groups (n = 3) were conducted with community dwelling older people (n = 17). A series of vignettes were used to guide discussion regarding hypothetical situations that approximated real-life scenarios for older people. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Obtaining information about community health and social services is an ongoing process that requires continuous commitment by older adults. Key strategies which emerged from the data included (i) taking a proactive stance towards accessing health information, (ii) making use of personal networks in your community and (iii) developing 'insider' knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Older people in this study had a proactive approach to obtaining health information and identified the importance of taking responsibility for managing their own needs. Despite this, obtaining basic information about community health and social services was a challenging and time-consuming process. Future research should focus on developing health literacy interventions that build upon and expand the strategies currently used by older people.