Clinical research is expanding across borders, and thus the need for accurate translation is increasing as well. Only some language service providers (LSP) have translators skilled in dealing with the complex requirements of clinical trials. You need to choose a clinical trial translation service provider that has expertise in both the source and target language and a deep understanding of medical terminology. This blog tells you the five crucial factors to look for in a translation company for clinical trial translation.
Clinical trial translation and interpreting are complex. Translating clinical trials requires an experienced team of translators who are well-versed in both source and target languages. It requires an experienced team of translators who know various country regulations, certifications, and processes. Experienced and knowledgeable translators can help in producing high-quality translations that are accurate, but also keep cultural nuances in mind. Experienced translation companies have technological tools that can help in project management, accurate translation, and reviewing translation to ensure an efficient and accurate process.
As the translation landscape of various countries is emerging and changing, an experienced clinical translation service provider should be aware of the market demands, document type, audience, and linguistic preferences of that location. Typically, clinical translations are highly medical and specific and should never be entrusted to providers who do not have domain-specific experience. Skilled translators who are experienced in your domain should be employed as they help you adhere to essential legislation, for instance, EU clinical trial regulation. Furthermore, the translation provider should have an awareness of local linguistic nuance and should be familiar with diverse document types, legislation, or notarisation.
Translators are the crux of a clinical trial translation service provider, and hence they should have relevant educational backgrounds and extensive experience in the medical field. Translators in a particular organisation should hold advanced degrees in medical or life sciences and should be certified by reputable translation associations. You also need to check the certifications of the service provider as well, such as ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation). ISO certifications are international standards for translation that are most commonly recognised worldwide and set a benchmark for quality and professionalism. ISO 17100 is the most commonly recognised standard for translation services, including clinical trial translations.
Quality assurance is a critical aspect of clinical translation. As different language service providers have different definitions for defining quality for translation, they might use different processes to achieve those quality levels. Furthermore, quality is challenging to measure as quality differs from person to person. As a client who wants Translation Services for Clinical Trials, you need to learn about translation methodology standards and best practices surrounding it so that you can make the right choice for the level of quality you want in your content.
Completing translation on time is critical in clinical trials, as clinical trials involve time-sensitive data. Any delay in translation can hinder the analysis and interpretation of results that affect the overall timeline of the trial. Research shows that approximately 80% of clinical trials often struggle to meet the initial enrolment targets. The delay can cause significant financial losses; hence, choosing a language service provider based on timing and flexibility is crucial. Note how much time it takes to provide you with the quote, as a quick response usually means an organised service provider. Ask about the translation delivery timeline and also enquire about the emergency options so that in cases of urgent translations, you can ask them to provide that service.
Choosing the right translation partner in global clinical trials is vital when facilitating international clinical trials. By focusing on the five factors mentioned above, you can ensure that the clinical trial language service provider you wish to opt for fulfills your project requirement. A right translation partner goes a long way to facilitate understanding, enhance compliance, and contribute to the overall success of global clinical research needs.
