Greek and Spanish-speaking patients with kidney or ureteral stones can now read EAU Patient Information in their native language. The Endourology, Laparoscopy and Urotechnology Section of the Hellenic Urologic Association (HUA) has provided the Greek translation and the Spanish translation is the result of a collaboration between the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) and the Dominican Republic Society of Urology (SDU).
EAU Patient Information aims to offer clear and trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients. Having the information available in multiple languages and keeping it consistent throughout all of its translations is therefore an essential element of this project. Collaboration is key and the EAU is grateful to the national societies for their commitment to this initiative. In particular, a big thank you goes to Dr. Andreas Skolarikos (Athens, GR), Dr. Diego Rengifo (Madrid, ES), and Dr. David Soriano (Santo Domingo, DR) for coordinating these translations.
With the involvement of the SDU, the Patient Information partner network now reaches beyond the borders of Europe. This is an important step forward. As Dr. Soriano explains: "urolithiasis is a big problem in the Dominican Republic, and the lack of information is a difficulty that both patients and general practitioners encounter, making diagnosis and treatment of the condition more challenging."
"When we heard the EAU was producing medical information aimed at patients and general practitioners, we decided to contact the association and express our interest in participating in this project by translating the contents of the website so that Spanish-speaking people can also access it."
"It was an honour to be acknowledged as part of the team. Now we have current data to show to patients in our office during consultation which makes it easier for us and for the patients to deal with the situation. We hope to encourage other countries to join the initiative because we are sure that many patients worldwide will be very grateful!"