Establishing a process to translate and adapt health education materials for natives and immigrants: The case of Mandarin adaptations of cardiac rehabilitation education

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a proven model of secondary prevention in which patient education is a core component.

Objectives: to translate and culturally-adapt CR patient education for Mandarin-speaking patients living in China as well as immigrants, and offer recommendation for best practices in adaptation for both.

Methods: these steps were undertaken in China and Canada: (1) preparation; (2) translation and adaptation; (3) review by healthcare providers based on PEMAT-P; (4) think-aloud review by patients; and (5) finalization.

Results: Two independent Mandarin translations were undertaken using best practices: one domestic (China) and one international (immigrants). Input by 23 experts instigated revisions. Experts rated the language and content as culturally-appropriate, and perceived the materials would benefit their patients. A revised version was then administered to 36 patients, based on which a few edits were made to optimize understandability.

Conclusions: some important differences emerged between translations adapted for native versus immigrant settings.