Medical translations are often some of the most difficult to complete because of the complexity of the language and the specific terminology that is used in the medical industry. In a multicultural country such as Australia or the United States, a hospital can expect to have patients who speak different languages.

The patient needs to understand:
*what the diagnosis is,
*which medical procedures they are consenting to,
*what medication they will be taking, and
*the possible side effects.

Any small mistake can have serious consequences, so it is important to take care when translating medical documents. There are a few approaches that can make translating for the medical industry easier, whether you are performing medical report translation online or creating health promotion content:

1) Understanding the terminology
We can't talk about medical translations without talking about medical terminology. To be able to complete medical translations accurately, you need to have a solid understanding of the industry jargon.

In fact, according to the International Medical Interpreters Association, besides being certified in the source and target language, (1) expertise of the subject matter, (2) knowledge of terminology, and (3) ability to recognise meaning in context are all key indicators of proficiency in the translation field. This is why it takes a specialist to complete these types of translations. They need to not only understand the words but also the concepts behind them.

Tip #1: If you don't have a medical background, it is important to consult with someone who does when you need more help understanding a concept. This will help you to understand the text and to be able to provide accurate translations. You can also prepare a glossary when translating medical documents. This way, you can go back to the glossary in the future rather than doing all the research again.

Moreover, the medical industry is constantly changing and evolving. This means that new terminology is always being introduced.
Tip #2: Subscribe to industry newsletters or journals. As a translator, it is important to stay up-to-date with new research. This way, you can be sure that you are using the most current terminology in your translations.

2) Making it understandable to the target audience
When translating medical documents, it is important to keep your target audience in mind. Will it be read by medical professionals or will it be read by the general population? If it is the former, then you can use more technical language. However, if it is the latter, then you need to find a way to make the information accessible to them. This can be done by using simpler language or by providing explanations of the medical terms that are used.

Tip #1: Use Plain Language.
This is a style of writing that can be understood by the general population. It is important that everyone has access to the information that they need, regardless of their level of education. When translating for the medical industry, you need to strike a balance between using technical language and making sure that the text remains understandable to the public.

Tip #2: Find someone who is not a medical professional and let them read the text.
If they can understand the document easily and don't have any questions, then that is an indication that the translation was done well. The goal is to make the final output clear, easy to comprehend, and accessible to everyone.

3) Being aware of cultural differences (especially when it comes to sensitive topics)
A challenge of translating is that you need to take into account cultural differences. This is true for translation work in general, not just translation specific to the medical industry. However, the specific challenge for translation in the medical industry is that these cultural differences can affect people's health. When translating medical documents, it is important to be aware of any sensitive topics that could be present.

For example, in some cultures, talking about mental health is taboo. This means that a translation might need to take a different approach when discussing these topics.

Tip #1: If you are unsure if a particular term or phrase could be culturally inappropriate, it is always best to consult with a cultural expert or a community representative. This will help you make sure that the translation is not only accurate but also respectful of the target culture's values and beliefs. They can also provide advice on how to best approach sensitive topics. By consulting them, you can avoid any misunderstandings or offense caused by your translations.

4) Paying attention to formatting
Medical documents often contain a lot of information that needs to be presented in a specific way. Formatting is something that should be considered when translating these types of documents. This means paying attention to things like layout, image choice, and ordering of information.

Tip #1: A list of symptoms might need to be listed in order from most common to least common. Or, a list of treatments might need to be listed in order from least invasive to most invasive. This is because the medical industry often uses a specific order when presenting information.

Tip #2: Be sure to check if there are any special characters or symbols that need to be used in the translation. These can often be found in medical diagrams or charts. You also have to be careful when it comes to units of measurement. Different countries use different systems, so it's important to make sure that you are using the right measurements for your target audience.

Tip #3: Replace the images from the original document with images that are more appropriate for the target audience.
For example, if you are translating a medical document for an Arab audience, it will be better to use images of Arab doctors and medical procedures. This would make the reader feel that the document was really intended for them and that they are not just an afterthought.

Despite the challenges, medical translation is a fascinating and important field. Multilingual medical translation services can help ensure that all patients receive quality care and communication regardless of the language they speak. By following these tips, you can overcome many of the common obstacles and provide quality translations that help healthcare providers and patients all over the world. Do you have any experience in medical translation? What was your biggest challenge? Let us know in the comments below.

Originally posted at: https://sylaba.com.au/the-main-challenges-of-translating-for-the-medical-industry-and-how-to-overcome-them/