3 Vital Roles of Translation Services For Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

​In today's interconnected world, the value of translation has grown exponentially across a multitude of industries. This is especially true for life sciences and healthcare. One stakeholder in particular, the contract research organization or CRO, has seen translation become a critical component of its operations.
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In this post, I will explore why translation services are vital for CROs. First, to set the scene, let's look at what a CRO does and why its work is carried out in multiple languages in the first place.

What is a CRO?

​A CRO is hired by a sponsor who wants to conduct a clinical trial. It carries out the planning, execution, and management of the clinical trial, ensuring patient safety and confidentiality, among other things.

​Thus, CROs play a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical fields, conducting vital research and development activities. Examples of CROs: Icon, PPD, Syneos Health

Why must the work of CROs be translated in multiple languages?

​Contract Research Organizations operate within a global framework. Their clients, partners, and research subjects span across different countries and cultures for many reasons, which will be discussed in a future blog post. For now, I will summarize by saying that the work must be done in a diverse patient population in hopes of having global market access and commercialization of the drug (or device, intervention, etc.) being tested.
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As you can imagine, the need for effective communication and information dissemination in multiple languages is therefore paramount.

Why are translation services important for CROs? 3 Vital Roles

1. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Approvals
One of the foremost reasons CROs need quality translation is the necessity to adhere to regulatory requirements in different countries. Research and clinical trials often involve documentation that must be submitted to various regulatory bodies for approval before proceeding. These submissions need to be translated into the official languages of the respective countries, and any errors or misinterpretations could lead to delays in approvals, costing both time and money.
 
For instance, when a CRO conducts a multi-country clinical trial, it needs to provide detailed documentation to each country's regulatory agency. So, documents will be in French for a clinical trial conducted in France, but those same documents must be translated in English for the trial to be conducted in the USA and for its submission to the FDA. These documents include informed consent forms for participants, protocols outlining the study's design and procedures, and other critical documents. Accurate translation ensures that each document is faithfully represented in the target language, eliminating any ambiguity that might arise due to language barriers.

2. Maintaining Data Consistency and Quality
In the realm of contract research, maintaining data consistency and quality across languages is paramount. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies in translated documents can lead to misinterpretations, potentially compromising the integrity of research findings or clinical trial results. Translation errors can range from mistranslated medical terms to improperly conveyed dosing instructions, both of which can have serious consequences.
 
Imagine a pharmaceutical company outsourcing a clinical trial to a CRO that operates in multiple countries. The clinical trial protocols, patient diaries, and adverse event reporting forms must be accurately translated to ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the procedures and requirements. A slight mistranslation in a dosing instruction could lead to adverse events, impacting not only patient safety but the overall success of the trial.

3. Effective Collaboration and Communication
Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in the life sciences industry, and CROs often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, medical professionals, and patients. Effective communication across linguistic barriers is essential to foster successful collaborations and ensure that all parties are on the same page.
 
Translation facilitates seamless communication between all stakeholders, enabling them to understand complex scientific and medical concepts, exchange insights, and make informed decisions. Whether it's communicating the results of a clinical trial, discussing regulatory guidelines, or drafting research publications, accurate translation bridges the language gap and ensures that valuable information is conveyed accurately and comprehensively.

​In the fast-paced and intricately woven world of life sciences and healthcare, accurate and specialized translation is not a luxury but a necessity. As the global reach of CROs in particular continues to expand, investing in high-quality translation services is not just a strategic decision but a critical component of their operations.
 
By partnering with skilled translators, such as Cochran Language Services, who possess both linguistic expertise and domain-specific knowledge, CROs can unlock new avenues of success, drive innovation, and contribute to advances in medical research and healthcare on a global scale. To find out more about how my translation services can support your CRO or a similar company, please contact me here.