As we celebrate Nurses Week, we believe it is important to recognise the vital role that clinical trials play in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. Running a clinical trial is a complex and challenging process, especially when it involves participants from across the globe who speak a number of different languages. This is where the role played by translation becomes critical.
Translation in clinical trials
Clinical trials require the organisation of complex data, with many participants, simultaneously across the world. In a globalised world where clinical trials are conducted across multiple countries, effective communication between researchers, patients, and stakeholders is essential, making translation, localisation and transcreation of key importance.
The translation of clinical trial documentation such as consent forms, study protocols, and patient information sheets is critical for ensuring that participants fully understand the trial procedures and can provide informed consent.
In addition to translation, transcreation is another important aspect of clinical trial communication. Transcreation involves adapting the content of a message to a new cultural context while preserving its intent, tone, and style. This is particularly important when communicating with patients from different cultures who may have different beliefs, values, and attitudes towards healthcare. By adapting the language and messaging to resonate with the target audience, researchers can build trust and credibility with participants, ultimately leading to better engagement and more successful clinical trials.
The challenges posed by culture
Language and cultural differences can pose challenges when recruiting participants for clinical trials. Translation and transcreation of recruitment materials such as posters, flyers, and advertisements can help to ensure that they are accessible to a wider range of potential participants. This can lead to more diverse and representative study populations, ultimately improving the generalisability and relevance of the trial results.
The role translation plays in data accuracy
In addition to aiding communication and recruitment, translation can also help to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collection across different countries and languages.
In order to obtain reliable and valid data, it is important for all study procedures to be standardised and conducted in a consistent manner. This includes the translation of study materials such as questionnaires, surveys, and assessments. By using a standardised process for translation and back-translation, researchers can ensure that the translated versions of the study materials are accurate, reliable, and comparable across different languages and cultures.
Case Study
The Solidarity Trial was a large-scale, international clinical trial that aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various existing treatments for COVID-19.
The trial involved over 400 hospitals in 35 countries and recruited more than 11,000 patients. As such, the trial required effective communication and coordination across different languages and cultures. To address this challenge, the WHO relied on a team of translators and interpreters proficient in the languages spoken by trial participants and researchers.
How Albion Languages can help
At Albion Languages, we understand the importance of translation in clinical trials. Our team of expert translators and project managers have extensive experience in translating and transcreating clinical trial materials across a wide range of therapeutic areas and languages.
We are committed to ensuring that our clients’ clinical trials are successful by providing high-quality, accurate, and culturally-appropriate translations that meet all regulatory requirements.
As we celebrate Nurses Week, we are reminded of the important role that healthcare professionals play in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. At Albion Languages, we are proud to support this important work by providing high-quality translation and transcreation services to the clinical trial industry. To find out more, please get in touch.