Why There Is No Room for Error in Medical Translation
In the world of translation, there is no realm where words play a more critical role than in the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals. It truly is a case of language saving lives.
Indeed, medical and pharmaceutical translation extends beyond the sphere of traditional marketing and communications and into the domain of public safety. It has a role in ensuring patient wellbeing and quality of care, in helping medical professionals improve their knowledge and better treat their patients, in keeping the public informed on major health issues, and in helping more people access medical care across the language divide.
With that said, medical translation is a high-stakes game, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant.
Here we explore the various aspects of medical and pharmaceutical translation – what it is, why it is important, and why it will always require specialist attention.
What Is Medical and Pharmaceutical Translation?
Medical and pharmaceutical translation deals with key documentation and materials targeting patients and medical professionals. It aims to provide clear and accurate information, to ensure patients and medical professionals alike feel confident and informed, in any language.
The most common types of medical and pharmaceutical translation include:
· Medical marketing materials: such as brochures, website copy, social posts, flyers, conference posters, training materials for sales representatives, infographics and video animations.
· Clinical trial documentation: including synopses, Investigator’s Brochures, informed consent forms, patient cards and patient-reported outcomes.
· Regulatory documentation: Summaries of Product Characteristics, Patient Information Leaflets, labelling, scientific conclusions and yellow card reporting.
· Medical device materials: this includes instructions for use, app content, help guides, data sheets, component lists, lab reports, technical specifications, software and operational manuals.
Why Is Medical and Pharmaceutical Translation So Important?
It goes without saying that when it comes to diagnosing and treating medical conditions, accuracy is paramount. But medical translation impacts every facet of healthcare, from patient wellbeing, to quality of care, to research and development.
So what happens when it goes wrong? There are many well documented cases of medical translation errors causing patient harm.
In Germany, the mistranslation of the label on a knee prosthetic component (with “non-modular cemented” being erroneously translated as “non-cemented” or “without cement”) led to 47 patients receiving incorrect medical procedures and 30 having to undergo surgical revisions.
Meanwhile, when staff in a French hospital mistranslated the English instruction manual of a set of new radiation machines, it led to numerous cancer patients receiving radiation overdoses. The scandal resulted in patient deaths and hospital staff being sentenced.
While these are some of the worst-case examples of incorrect medical translation, they do show how even minor misinterpretations can have severe consequences.
Why Medical and Pharmaceutical Translation Requires Special Attention
While all fields of translation can benefit from the keen eye of someone with sector knowledge and expertise, medical and pharmaceutical translation has a combination of specific requirements that can only be fulfilled by industry specialists.
These are:
Complex language – medical and pharmaceutical language is scientific and technical. Being able to interpret and apply this language correctly – and to make it simpler and clearer where required for the general public – requires specific knowledge and experience.
Strict regulatory environments – the healthcare sector is strictly regulated, from the claims made for specific drugs to the language used in patient information materials, and these regulations can vary between markets. Understanding the local landscape is key to ensuring medical content is legally compliant – and avoiding costly product recalls.
A multitude of specializations – the medical field encompasses numerous specializations, each with its own terminology and linguistic nuances. Understanding these specifics ensures more accurate translations.
Local attitudes and experiences – effective medical and pharmaceutical translation brings in a human touch. It is about understanding patient concerns and habits – how they perceive and access healthcare based on their cultural beliefs – and recognizing the challenges facing medical professionals. Understanding these components will ensure content that better connects locally.
How Mother Tongue Can Help
Mother Tongue’s Life Sciences division provides a full suite of specialist medical and pharmaceutical language services.
Our dedicated team of in-house project managers and worldwide network of expert medical creatives, strategists and linguists can cover all stages of the project lifecycle.
Our specialist services include:
Medical transcreation –expert medical translators and copywriters join forces to deliver medical copy that resonates with market audiences from healthcare professionals to patients, all while retaining its scientific rigour.
Medical translation –highly qualified medical translators meticulously prepare localized regulatory documentation — from pre-clinical through to post-marketing materials.
Medical content creation – writers create content from scratch, including whitepapers, clinical study reports to educational content and marketing assets.
Claim research and origination – medical specialists perform local market research, identify appropriate references and develop tailored local claims.
Market insights – a full suite of cultural consultation and insight services to help you navigate the nuances of local pharmaceutical markets.
Check out our Life Sciences page to find out more about our services or get in touch to see how we can support you with your medical and pharmaceutical translation needs.