In terms of sheer difficulty and complex translations, medical translation is at the top of the list. However, it’s also one of the most effective strategies to save people’s lives.
Therapeutic devices make up a significant portion of the healthcare industry. In addition, high-tech medical gadgets, such as surgical robots and nanotechnology applications, have been developed due to technological developments and new inventions.
An estimated $447.63 billion was spent on medical equipment worldwide in 2019, with a projected $671.49 billion in sales by 2027, according to the International Business Times (IBT).
Consider the importance of translating medical equipment and what you can do to assist. Here is a quick guide to what to remember when translating medical documents or journals.
Terminology Breakdown
Medical jargon is difficult to understand but often contains exact terms. For example, a minor phrasing modification may explain the difference between living and dying.
Often, medical terminology is specific to the language of the source; therefore, terms in the target language cannot be translated directly. Instead, words must be translated and clarified to understand this circumstance. This necessitates familiarity with the underlying assumptions that gave rise to the term.
Additionally, medical writings are full of abbreviations and acronyms. Because abbreviations and acronyms are challenging to translate, the translator should understand the words in the target language. Medical records, prescriptions, directions from manuals, and the like might have wholly different meanings when read by someone who isn’t an expert in the subject.
Easy-To-Understand Instructions
Medical equipment must provide clear, concise, and consistent instructions to make the process as simple as possible. It is also critical to saving expenditures whenever feasible.
Take the EU as an example, which has a long list of requirements for language. However, companies may prevent headaches by sticking to clear, short, and concise translations.
Manufacturers of devices typically have to translate their devices’ instructions for use in the European Union.
Rely on Proven Medical Writing Methods
It is essential to be straightforward and concise while dealing with medical difficulties.
Thus, you should steer clear of both language-specific abbreviations and acronyms. The same goes for idioms and too complex terminology.
Consider employing more easily accessible language, but without being too informal.
Consider the Audience
Medical jargon might be challenging to understand. Experts in the area will be expected to understand the intricacies of the medical profession if your audience includes them. Write in the most straightforward language you can if you want your information to be viewed by those who aren’t experts.
In the discipline of linguistics, things are constantly changing. We’re seeing a constant stream of new ideas and concepts being developed. They may not know how to connect new ideas to particular instances in their target language or how to convey content specifics if they aren’t well-versed in the area as a whole.
When translations are reviewed by specialists who have researched journals and are up to date on research, they will have a solid base from which to build. Others, such as the majority of their support personnel, may not grasp the new ideas until they are clarified. If you don’t know your audience, it’s hard to make sure the right people receive your presentation style and instructional value.
Culture
Medical translations must be done in the native language of the patient’s country of residence. However, it is possible to handle cultural characteristics, such as doses for pharmaceutical usage (ounces to millilitres or grammes), acronyms such as BID (twice daily), BIS (double) or PRN (as needed), or shorthand, via the process of localization.
Medical professionals and physicians are referred to in various ways in most countries. Traditional medical techniques are still used in certain societies, although supplemented with more contemporary medical methods. In many cultures, the treatment of professionals is of great importance. However, poor grammatical use is immensely insulting, no matter how precise the material is.
Professional Translation Agency
You should always hire a professional translator when you need an essential document translated into a language you’re not fluent in. In most cases, using a translation company for medical document translation services will be more beneficial than using individuals or companies that offer typical translation services.
A more extensive organization will be able to meet your translation demands, especially if you need to translate many documents. More work may be handled and completed more quickly by these organizations.
