Introduction:

A multidimensional clinical and functional assessment is essential for an adequate and personalized intervention for the elderly. The Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF-20) is a simple instrument that includes multidimensional aspects of the health of the elderly. This study aims to translate and cross-culturally adapt the IVCF-20.

Methodology:

The study carried out the translation of the original scale, back-translation and content validity (panel of experts and 2 elderly people). With the pre-test, the final version of the IVCF-20 in European Portuguese emerges. Throughout the process, the authors of the original scale were involved.

Results:

The correct linguistic and semantic equivalence in a clear and simple way. The expert panel instigates changes in 12 of the 20 items: 7 items with 100% agreement and 5 items with 75%. On pre-testing it was necessary change a term and the IVCF-20 version in European Portuguese emerges.

Discussion:

The inclusion of elderly people in the process has become very advantageous. Procedure for changing the age classification range, according to the WHO and UN definition, the range of 65-74 years was considered instead of 60-74 years (original scale). In the application of the pre-test questions, it is more delicate to understand the questions (Q18 and Q19) and in the interpretation of the “normal health”.

Conclusion:

The Portuguese version of the IVFC-20 is an instrument that is easy to understand, with simple language and can be used with confidence in clinical practice. It is then intended to carry out the psychometric study to ensure its validation.

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