The medical field is a highly specialized one. It is full of medical jargon, and every word makes a difference. And as the need for global healthcare increases, the need for accurate translation services rises, too.

According to a CSA research in 2020, the demand for language solutions in the medical landscape is 49%. 

Want to know more about medical translation? Let’s find out!

What Is Medical Translation?

Medical translation refers to the process of converting medical documents such as patient records, clinical trial protocols, informed consent forms, medical device manuals, pharmaceutical instructions, and scientific research papers into other languages.

Due to the sensitive nature of the field, accuracy is of utmost importance. Translators walk on ice to ensure linguistic accuracy using the target language’s medical jargon.

Medical translations go through long phases of quality assurance. While in general mistranslations are unacceptable, mistranslations in the medical field can cost lives due to a misdiagnosis and end in major legal ramifications.

Additionally, in the medical field, it’s often required to provide certified translations with a certificate of accuracy to fulfill legal requirements.

Medical translation isn’t just translation, but a contribution to healthcare improvement worldwide.

Types of Medical Translation

As mentioned earlier, medical translation refers to a wide array of translation services in the healthcare realm.

Let’s explore the different types, shall we?

1. Clinical Trial Documentation 

Clinical trials are one of the most important aspects of medical translation. This type involves translating documents related to clinical trials, such as study protocols, informed consent forms, case report forms, and adverse event reports.

Maintaining utmost accuracy is crucial to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to preserve the code of ethics of clinical trials.

2. Patient Records and Medical History

Translating patient records, medical histories, and charts is an essential aspect of maintaining a global healthcare with no healthcare disparities. This requires precise translation to avoid any misinterpretation of a patient’s medical condition or treatment history that could impact the quality of medical treatment.

3. Pharmaceutical Translation

This type of medical translation includes translating drug labels, packaging, patient information leaflets, and pharmacological studies. It ensures that medication instructions, side effects, and dosage information are accurately conveyed to avoid any risk to patient safety.

4. Medical Device Manuals

Translating instructions for use, maintenance manuals, and safety information for medical devices isn’t only vital to patients, but also to guarantee governmental approval. It aims to allow healthcare professionals and patients to understand how to correctly and safely use medical equipment.

5. Research Papers and Publications

Translating scientific research papers, articles, and journals allows for global dissemination of medical knowledge. This type of translation often involves complex and technical language targeted to medical practitioners.

6. Healthcare Apps

This includes translating the user interface and content of healthcare apps. 

This includes:

• Fitness and Wellness Apps
• Telemedicine Apps
• Medication Management Apps
• Mental Health Apps
• Chronic Disease Management Apps
• Pregnancy and Parenting Apps
• Symptom Checker Apps
• Nutrition and Diet Apps
• Appointment Scheduling and Reminder Apps
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Access Apps
• Health Insurance and Claims Management Apps
• Emergency Services and First Aid Apps
• Sleep Tracking Apps

7. Healthcare Marketing Material

This includes translating brochures, websites, and advertising materials for medical products and services. The goal is to effectively communicate with diverse audiences and globalize healthcare knowledge.

Medical Translation Best Practices

Hire Specialized Translators

Choose translators who have both linguistic proficiency and specialized knowledge in medical terminology. This ensures that complex medical concepts and terminology are accurately translated, reducing the risk of errors.

Prioritize Accuracy

Focus on achieving precise translations for medical terms, dosages, and instructions. Implement double-checking mechanisms and cross-reference with medical dictionaries and databases to avoid mistakes that could lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment.

Ensure Cultural Sensitivity

Ensure translations are culturally appropriate for the target audience. This involves understanding cultural nuances, healthcare practices, and patient attitudes in the target region, which is crucial for patient-facing materials to be effective and respectful.

Comply with Regulations

Thoroughly understand and adhere to the regulatory requirements of the target country. This includes specific terminology, document formats, and legal considerations, ensuring that translations meet local standards and avoid legal issues.

Utilize Medical Glossaries

Employ standardized medical glossaries and terminology databases to maintain consistency and accuracy. This helps in ensuring that the same terms are used consistently across different documents and translations.

Implement Rigorous Quality Control

Establish a robust quality assurance process that includes multiple rounds of proofreading and review by a second qualified translator or a medical expert. This step helps catch any errors or inconsistencies before the finalization of the document.

Protect Patient Confidentiality

Adhere to strict confidentiality and security protocols to ensure sensitive patient information. Use secure communication channels and storage solutions, and comply with data protection laws like HIPAA in the US or GDPR in Europe.

Stay Updated with Medical Advances

Stay updated on the latest developments in medical terminology, treatments, and regulations. This continuous learning ensures that your translations reflect current medical practices and knowledge.

Conclusion

Medical translation is no easy job. That’s why you need to ensure you work with industry professionals.

But worry no more. With Gripon Global, rest assured that there is a team of medical linguists behind the scenes. We have the knowledge and expertise to take on any medical project you have. We aim to help globalize the healthcare industry.