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The importance of communication in patient-centred clinical trials

Effective communication in clinical trials is not a ‘nice to have’ luxury, it’s a necessity. Clear, accurate and accessible information is a fundamental foundation of any successful trial, ensuring participants stay informed, engaged and confident in their ongoing involvement. As clinical studies expand across multiple countries and regions, the need for seamless communication across languages barriers has become more important than ever. 

So how can we navigate this complex linguistic landscape while preserving the integrity of the original message and keep participants well informed?

Navigating the language landscape

Clinical trials often involve participants from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, especially as studies span multiple countries. This diversity enriches research but also introduces a significant challenge: ensuring that all participants thoroughly understand the trials’ purpose, procedures, and associated risks. Miscommunication or misunderstanding due to language barriers can lead to confusion, mistrust, or even disengagement. That’s why delivering clear, consistent and culturally appropriate communications in participants local language is essential. 

The challenge of translation sourcing

Many clinical sponsors and contract research organisations (CROs) frequently turn to third party language service providers to manage the translation needs of their clinical trials. On the surface, this approach seems practical, as these providers often offer access to specialised linguistic expertise that might not be readily available in house. However, this method can come with significant risks that are often overlooked. 

There is often potential for cohorts of language service providers to be unfamiliar with the nuances of clinical trials, and the organisations hiring them typically have little to no visibility into the providers processes or quality control measures.

This creates a precarious situation.  Inaccurate, inconsistent, or poorly localised translations specifically within the context of clinical trials can have a domino effect, starting with the erosion of trust among participants. Misunderstanding due to mistranslations or lack of cultural context can cause confusion about the trial’s procedures, consent forms, or associated risks, ultimately jeopardising participant engagement and safety. Even small errors can lead to significant setbacks, non-compliance or worse – compromising the scientific validity of the study itself. The entire research processes hinges on precise communication and when that is compromised, so is the integrity of the trial.

The stakes being incredible high, with consequences of poor translations reverberating through the entire clinical trial, one key question is paramount: How can sponsors and CROs effectively source translations from providers who not only have the necessary linguistic expertise but also a deep understanding of clinical trial protocols, regulatory requirements and cultural nuances?

The challenge is finding a translation partner that can consistently delivery high quality accurate translations and build a foundation of trust throughout the entire end to end trial process. 

ICON's solution: In-house language services

At ICON we found a solution:  Rather than trying to source a supplier that meets a very specific set of requirements, we built the Language Service provider we are looking for. As a result, ICON’s in-house Language Services (ILS) division was created.

Self-empowered and fully integrated into ICON’s process and procedures, ICON’s Language Services tackle clinical trial translation challenges directly.  ICON maintains strict control over every step of the translation process through a dedicated team, working seamlessly with sponsor specific study teams, ensuring all translations are managed with the highest level of dedicated and expertise needed for Clinical Trial components.     

Sponsors across the industry trust ICON not only for clinical expertise but also for its commitment to detail and quality control. By applying the same proven model of service excellence that ICON is renowned for, we ensure our language services meet the highest standards of accuracy, consistency, cultural sensitivity and compliance we know is needed.

With full end to end oversight, ICON Language Services offers a seamless integrated solution that eliminates the risk of using unfamiliar external providers. Our translation processes are handled by experts with deep backgrounds in clinical trials, regulatory affairs and operations, and language models ensuring that all trial communications are managed with the expertise and care needed from start to finish. 

Contact us to learn more about how ICON’s Language Services can enhance your clinical trials through effective communication.

 

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