Challenges of Outsourcing in Clinical Trials

The clinical trial setting is changing like never before with a flood of new technologies, regulatory flux, Brexit, the Clinical Trial Regulation coming into effect in 2019 and the constant flow of new innovations. As many of the processes involved in clinical trials are now outsourced, drug trial sponsors and CROs, like those attending the 8^th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials trade fair in Barcelona, need to address the challenges that come with outsourcing.

Language needs in a global setting

So far in 2018 more than 270,000 trials have been registered in 203 different countries, according to Trends, Charts, and Maps – ClinicalTrials.gov

Clinical research has become so globalized that trial protocols can be designed in one country and implemented in another, with a completely different language and culture. Hurdling the language barriers that come with this reality in a field with a high failure rate (only 1 in 10 trial drugs make it from study to commercial sale) poses many challenges.

Translation is needed at almost all stages of a clinical trial and in different styles or registers. Simple-to-understand formats for patients such as informed consent forms and patient information leaflets have strict requirements but need simple, direct language so that patients with no medical training can understand everything about the trial and what will happen to them. More complex clinical trial protocols, case report forms and investigator brochures for the researchers, sponsors and regulators use more technical language and jargon. Legalese is needed for legal agreements, specialized terminology for insurance policies.

Having a reliable language services partner goes a long way to smooth these issues for outsourcers and participants.

Translation services outsourcing

Translation is often treated as an afterthought in the clinical trial industry, a rushed necessity at the end of a long, costly process. Yet high-quality translation is an integral part of the process of running a clinical trial and crucial for its success. Outsourcers need to have guaranteed high-quality, experienced, reliable services on hand. Outsourcers need to seek out language service providers with a certified track record, who focus on and guarantee high-quality and accuracy. Such a partner overcomes the linguistic hurdles that national boundaries present, smoothing the process of transferring data from one location to another.

Accuracy is non-negotiable because data integrity cannot be compromised. There is no place for misunderstandings, confusion or imprecise interpretations in this field. The health and wellbeing of the trial participants, the credibility of the research and the revenue and ultimate outcome of the trial are all at stake.

Translation and localization services should provide staff with extensive experience in the field of clinical trials plus native language skills and cultural knowledge of local areas. They will then be able to provide culturally sensitive localization of documents where local markets may have different needs in terms of the information required and cultural expectations.

Why CPSL?

CPSL has extensive knowledge of the issues involved in translating and localizing clinical trial documents from our many decades of experience. Plus, our triple ISO certification guarantees our quality processes to our clients, which now number 120 industry-leading names, including Bayer, Bio-Rad Laboratories, EKF Diagnostics, Novartis, Oxford Instruments, Trinity BioTech and many more.

In the midst of massive technological change and regulatory flux, the ability to depend on an expert language service will come as a welcome relief to pharma and biotech companies looking to expand into foreign markets – whether now or in the future – so join our list of industry-leading clients for your translation and localization needs.

Contact us to find out more.