A Spanish Version of the Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale for use Following a Traumatic Brain Injury: Cross Cultural Adaptation, Translation, and Validation

Abstract

Research Objectives Health professionals need linguistically and culturally correct tools with proven validity to effectively assess people in their native language and make accurate prognoses and guide rehabilitation. This study aimed to translate and validate the Westmead Post-traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) into a culturally and linguistically appropriate Spanish version to measure the progression and duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Spanish speaking populations. Design A forward-backward translation method followed by a cohort study of three different groups assessed using the WPTAS, cognitive, and behavioural tests over a two-day period. Setting One neurorehabilitation hospital in Spain. Participants To complete the translation phase, we recruited seven native Spanish and English translators, 11 health professionals, 15 people with TBI, and 9 people with acquired brain injury. For the validation phase, a convenience sample of Spanish-speaking participants was recruited from inpatients and outpatients. The sample consisted of three groups; participants with TBI in PTA (n = 20), participants with TBI out of PTA (n = 21), and control participants with general trauma without cognitive impairment (n = 21). PTA status was determined using the Spanish version of the WPTAS. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures WPTAS, Selective Reminding Test, Agitated Behavior Scale, Short Portable Metal Status Questionnaire, and Digit Span. Results Pre-testing using the Spanish WPTAS found that responses were appropriate and consistent. Group comparisons found significant differences between participants in PTA and the two other groups on all tests of cognition and behaviour (p Conclusions A Spanish version of the WPTAS was successfully developed and demonstrated to provide a valid means of determining PTA status in patients with TBI. Testing with a broader range of Spanish speakers from different countries, both from dominant and minority groups, is recommended prior to its application outside of Spain. Author(s) Disclosures The Authors declare no conflicts of interests.