By Emma 
In healthcare, medical device translation plays a critical role in helping doctors and other healthcare professionals administer medication and medical devices for the benefit of their patients.
In a world that is still in the throes of a crippling global pandemic, medical device translation is on the frontline of a universally synchronized response.
Healthcare is universal and in recent times, the world has struggled with similar illnesses and diseases. Innovative treatments are getting developed in various countries across the globe and it is possible that these treatments could go on to save lives in countries that are thousands of miles away.
Nations also understand that it is critical to share medical knowledge to save more lives on a global scale. However, for successful treatment in the international healthcare sector, medical devices must be translated and localized to ensure that health practitioners can use them effectively.
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Types of Medical Device Translations
A medical device is a tool or any piece of equipment used in the healthcare sector. Before they can reach the market, these devices must fall in with certain rules and regulations. When these devices are disseminated to different countries, they must also be accurately translated into the country’s national language.
In the United States, the FDA regulates the standard operating procedures for medical devices and classifies them into three categories. Depending on your medical device, the following documents must be translated:
- Product description
- Product catalogs
- Regulatory compliance
- Packaging labels as well as inserts
- Instructions for use
- Informed consent forms
- Patents
- Software application
- Production manuals
- Machine operating manuals
- Clinical trial documents
- Codes of conduct
- Operational procedures
- Drug registration documents
- Medical questionnaires
- Medical articles and journals, among others.
The Value of Medical Device Translation
Medical device translation saves lives. Countries all over the world have different legislation in healthcare, but at the forefront of all legislation is the importance of saving lives.
Devices as simple as thermometers or as complex as life support machines play a vital role in saving lives and it is critical that they are utilized properly.
The safety of patients depends on clear communication and an understanding of how the correct medical devices are operated.
Whether the translation is verbal or documented, translation serves patients, healthcare workers, as well as those that are responsible for making and implementing healthcare policies. Any slight misinterpretation could have serious consequences.
Most counties now require medical device translations into their national language to keep patients who are the direct users safe. In the EU, for instance, medical device translations must be completed in the 24 EU official languages.
Many medical professionals argue that there is a need to incorporate professional medical translators as part of the global crisis response efforts.
The Complexities of Medical Device Translation
Language is a major risk factor in healthcare and the quality of medical device translation can make a difference between life and death. There is no room for error as incorrect translation could cost a patient their life.
Most medical research is done in English. However, during translation, linguists face unique challenges. The terminological complexities of the text must be translated into lexical equivalence, readability, terminology, and linguistic quality.
Any small misinterpretation can change the entire meaning and even make the medical device unsafe for use. In medical device translation, technical precision matters just as much as medical terms.
Researchers argue that for highly accurate results, translators should then have knowledge of fields such as surgery, pediatrics, pharmacology, and perhaps even law and administration to prevent ambiguity. Expertise in multiple disciplines also allows medical device translators to capture subtle meanings and nuances that machine translation may not be able to capture.
The Consequences of Non-Professional Medical Device Translators
The use of non-expert medical device translators can lead to dire consequences including fatalities. It could also negatively impact the image of a healthcare organization resulting in failure of clinical trials or leaving patients dealing with life-long complications. In 1980, Willie Ramirez, an 18-year-old was admitted in a comatose state at a Florida hospital. His family only spoke Spanish and described his condition as ‘intoxicado’ which a staff member translated as ‘intoxicated’.
A professional medical translator would have understood that Cubans use the word ‘intoxicado’ as a synonym for poisoned as a result of ingesting something. While the word is similar to the English meaning of being drunk as a result of drug or alcohol use, the meaning, in this case, was different.
Doctors gave Willie Ramirez treatment for a drug overdose. For over 36 hours doctors missed the vital signs of the brain hemorrhage and it was diagnosed too late. The delay in treatment left Willie quadriplegic.
This goes to show that a single wrong word in medical device translation can alter a patient’s life forever.
Accurate Medical Device Translation Saves Lives
Willie Ramirez’s case shows an unfortunate result as a result of poor medical translation. However, the results of a medical device mistranslation can have even more far-reaching effects as these products are used by multiple patients every day.
Medical device translators must ensure that:
- They fully understand the source text as well as the medical terminology used
- Instructions and directions on the medical device are translated accurately
- Content is localized to ensure the target audience’s language and culture can use the medical device effectively
How to Find Medical Device Translators
If you need to hire competent medical translation specialists, consider professionals who are well-versed in scientific languages. Medical manufacturers often use in-house experts who translate and localize the product.There are also medical device consultants who have medical knowledge and an excellent understanding of medical device components and how they operate. These experts also understand the engineering aspects to translate properly and comprehensively.
Another option is to outsource experts from professional translation agencies. These are ideal for healthcare manufacturers who sell their medical devices on an international scale. Such translators also advise users on any related issues.
Consider the following factors before choosing a medical device translator:
- Work experience
- Reviews
- Partner companies
- Quality management
- Legal issues
Summary
There is no denying that medical device translation requires trained professionals who are constantly upgrading their skills to match the changing global markets. Medical manufacturers who do not work with professionals risk the health and lives of human beings across the globe. Medical devices that do not come with translations that healthcare professionals and patients can understand could also cause costly medical errors and risk lives.
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