5 Key Documents That Require Professional Medical Translation

Translation services incredibly important in the medical and life science fields. When medical translation is provided by an experienced and efficient professional translator, it can reduce bureaucratic headaches and even save lives. Luckily, language service providers have the best tools and professionals to help. There are several documents that should always be translated when going to the hospital or to a doctor’s office ranging from a patient’s information history to consent forms.

Here are five documents for which professional healthcare translation is required:

1. Medical Translation And Financial Responsibility Waivers

Even though we all wish money should not be part of the equation when it comes to health, it is a huge factor to take into account for both parties. Under the current healthcare system, if a patient does not have insurance, they must face a penalty if they do not pay for the care they are provided. As a result, medical translation should be applied to all financial responsibility waivers because it ensures compliance on the part of the patient as well as the caretaker.

2. Medical Translation And Patient Information Forms

This one should not even be questioned because it seems obvious that any patient should be given the right to complete their patient information form in their native language through life sciences translation. Having patient information forms translated into different languages can expedite the process and save lives in case of an emergency. For instance, a patient may have a special condition that does not permit them to take a certain medication. Therefore, medical translation plays an essential role in these types of cases.

3. Medical Translation Is Essential For Consent Forms

As a basic human right, consent has to be given for certain types of procedures. However, if they are not translated properly, ethical issues can arise. No matter the language you speak, you should be able to understand what you are consenting to. In a case where medical translation is badly done, the patient may understand something else from what was originally intended. Such errors might happen if you do not choose your translation company carefully.

4. Labels And Instructions

Labels and instructions also need translation. For example, medicine labels nearly always require pharmaceutical translation to ensure that all patient understand the proper dosage, side effects, and ingredients of their medication. Translation of instructions also applies to medical devices that are used by health workers that may not speak English. In some cases, medical device localization is even necessary as medical jargon and regulations vary from place to place.

5. Clinical Trial Documents

Finally, clinical research translation is critical when conducting clinical trials. Clinical trials typically involve three different phases designed to test separate hypotheses. As results from phase I are passed to another lab, the scientists involved may not speak the same language. Therefore, clinical trial translation plays an essential role by ensuring that nothing is lost in translation when transferring between phases.