Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Person-Centered Therapeutic Relationship in Physiotherapy Scale to European Portuguese.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Implementing a person-centered practice is considered a priority in healthcare, and the development of a solid and positive therapeutic relationship is a fundamental element. This study conducted a cross-cultural adaptation of the Person-Centered Therapeutic Relationship in Physiotherapy Scale to European Portuguese and contributed to its validation through the study of its structural validity and internal consistency.

METHODS

This study was conducted from October 2021 to July 2023 and included two phases: a methodological study of cross-cultural adaptation (phase 1) and a transversal study to assess the psychometric properties (phase 2). Structural validity was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha (α). A -value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The Person-Centered Therapeutic Relationship in Physiotherapy Scale was successfully culturally adapted to European Portuguese (phase 1). During phase 2, 203 individuals [mean age: 50.16 ± 13.10 years (range 18-80 years)] with musculoskeletal conditions, mostly female (63.1%), were recruited. The factorial solution explained 74.7% of the total variability and retained three factors, grouping items 9 to 15 in a common factor (professional empowerment and therapeutic communication). Adequate internal consistency was found (Cronbach's α = 0.889).

CONCLUSIONS

This study culturally adapted an instrument to European Portuguese, which allows the assessment of the person-centered therapeutic relationship in physiotherapy, presenting adequate internal consistency. Future studies should contribute to the remaining validation of the instrument so that it can be available to the Portuguese population.