In the realm of clinical research, transparency and accessibility are key to communicating complex data to a broader audience. Lay summaries play a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap by translating intricate clinical trial data into language that is clear and accessible to non-specialist readers. This is essential not only for meeting regulatory requirements but also for fostering trust and understanding within patient communities and the general public.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of translating lay summaries, best practices for creating them, and introduce you to our guide, Effective Lay Summaries: Guidelines for Creation and Translation.
What Are Lay Summaries and Why Are They Important?
A lay summary is a simplified version of clinical trial results, written in plain language to make it accessible for the general public. These summaries are vital for patient-centric healthcare as they allow non-specialists to understand research findings, fostering transparency and enhancing trust in medical research. In the European Union, for example, clinical trial sponsors are required by the EU Clinical Trial Regulation (EU CTR 536/2014) to provide lay summaries, underscoring the commitment to accessible healthcare information.
Why Translate Lay Summaries?
With clinical trials often spanning multiple countries, translating lay summaries into relevant languages ensures that patients across diverse linguistic backgrounds can access trial information in their native language. This not only increases patient engagement and inclusivity but also aligns with ethical research practices, especially as clinical trials aim to serve a global population.
Translated lay summaries also help meet regulatory requirements in regions where localized, patient-accessible information is mandated. For example, in the EU, accurate translations of lay summaries are essential for compliance with local language standards, allowing all stakeholders, regardless of language barriers, to access vital information.
Best Practices for Creating and Translating Lay Summaries
To help clinical trial sponsors and researchers create effective lay summaries, Morningside’s new guide, Effective Lay Summaries: Guidelines for Creation and Translation, provides comprehensive advice on creating clear, compliant summaries that resonate with non-specialists. Below are a few key insights:
- Write at an Accessible Literacy Level
Ensuring readability is critical. Lay summaries should avoid medical jargon and use everyday language, with a focus on simplicity and clarity. The guide includes practical tips on readability assessments and advice for simplifying technical language to keep the information digestible for all audiences. - Utilize Visual Aids
Visual aids can significantly enhance comprehension by providing a visual representation of complex data. Using charts, infographics, and images helps break down complex concepts into accessible formats that are easier to understand and remember. - Ensure Translation Quality and Consistency
Translating lay summaries requires an understanding of both the source material and the target audience’s language. Maintaining accuracy while simplifying complex information demands expert translators who can convey nuanced medical information without compromising on clarity. Morningside’s guide outlines quality control steps and best practices for translation to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Quality Control in Lay Summary Translations
Quality assurance is a key step in ensuring that translated lay summaries remain accurate and consistent across languages. Our guide emphasizes the importance of using rigorous quality control processes, including third-party reviews and linguistic checks, to ensure that each translated summary meets compliance standards and accurately reflects the source material. This approach supports consistency, reduces errors, and upholds the credibility of the clinical trial results.
Explore Morningside’s Translation Services for Life Sciences to learn more about our specialized approach to lay summary translation.
About Morningside
Morningside, a Questel company, is a trusted leader in language services for life sciences, providing high-quality translations, regulatory support, and accessibility solutions tailored to the healthcare and clinical research sectors. We partner with clinical trial sponsors and research organizations to ensure their communications are accurate, compliant, and accessible. Visit our Life Sciences Translation page to explore our full range of translation and localization services.
Creating and translating lay summaries for clinical trials is essential to meeting regulatory requirements, fostering transparency, and ensuring inclusivity for diverse patient populations. Download our comprehensive guide, Effective Lay Summaries: Guidelines for Creation and Translation, to gain practical insights into crafting accessible, compliant, and clear lay summaries. Contact Morningside today to discuss how we can support your clinical trial communication needs and help make your research accessible to a global audience.
Yossi Bar is a seasoned professional in the realm of Business Development and Account Management, currently serving at Morningside, a Questel Company. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in consultancy and account management, Yossi brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Throughout his career, Yossi has honed his skills in understanding and meeting the precise requirements of clients, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and language solutions tailored to their needs.