Analysis of translations in the medical market research industry indicate the largest number of errors are made by ad hoc interpreters and random mediators. In an industry where there is no room for error, the accuracy and validation of medical translation is of paramount importance.
Studies show that the most frequent mistakes found in translated medical documents are omissions relating to allergies caused by medical products, dosage instructions, the frequency or duration medicines should be taken and confusing drug administration instructions.
Pharmaceutical and medical companies that sell products in multiple countries have an obligation to medical practitioners and their patients to provide accurate instructions and reports about the drugs purpose, administration and potential side-effects.
Market research plays a vital role in the positioning, acceptance, pricing and feedback. Whilst this type of translation is often deemed to not require extensive knowledge of medicine, mistakes can have critical consequences.
Quality assurance process of medical translations
In the medical industry, research plays a pivotal role in knowledge mediation. Translations of shared documents explaining the results of medical research, publicised findings and the marketing of new products therefore need to be precisely accurate.
The translators that are responsible for promulgating professional communication should have significant expertise in the medical field. An in-depth paper addressing the quality assurance procedures of medical market research translations concluded translation processes are “subject to improvement.”
Not only must medical translators have a firm grasp of the source language and the target language, they also have to be familiar with medical abbreviations and be up-to-date with new words that enter the ever-evolving medical language.
Selica International are well aware of inadequate quality assurance within the field of medical market research. Not only do we use linguistic professionals that are qualified in the field of medicine, we also provide a comprehensive project management to cover all types of translation services required, individually as a package bespoke to your projects’ needs.
Our service structure leaves no room for translation error.
• Interviews are transcribed verbatim by medically qualified English and bilingual transcribers
• We conduct a single stage transcription from Non-English directly into English by medically qualified transcribers
• The content and second stage transcription is analysed by a trained and qualified bilingual Analyst that is fully conversant in medical terminology.
• Translation and proofreading of briefing documents such as HCP / patient discussion guides, screeners, product profiles, show cards and message testing information sheets
• The final step is to check online links from source document to ensure foreign text has been uploaded correctly and that there are no routing issues with the questions and answers
• All our translators, transcribers, analysts and data handlers are obliged to undergo the training and tests relevant to your clinical survey as and when you require before they are assigned any project.
Various studies show evidence of inadequate translations in the medical profession resulting in severe clinical consequences (cf. Marqueuz Arroyo 2007). Healthcare facilities have been adversely influenced by misleading translations. As a consequence, their patients suffered pain and distress and the reputation of the practitioners and the medical facility was damaged.
Given pharmaceutical companies carry out clinical trials in various parts of the world, and manufacture drugs that are sold internationally, there is a critical requirement for medical information to be translated with accurate results.
Selica International are members of BHBIA and take every precautionary measure to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service that removes the pressure from our clients and delivers first rate results and 100% satisfaction. Contact us today for more information
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