Developing informed consent materials for non-English-speaking participants: An analysis of four professional firm translations from English to Spanish

Abstract

Background/Aims: An increasing body of research is being conducted with non-English-speaking subjects. Study-related materials, including those essential for obtaining informed consent, must often be translated from English into other languages. In this study, we sought to examine the types of issues that may arise when consent materials are translated from English to Spanish. Methods: Drawing on expertise from five individuals associated with our research team, four of whom are native Spanish speakers of different dialects of Spanish, we crafted translations of our own consent materials for biobanking using a rigorous, multi-step process involving both forward and back translation. We then systematically compared our translations to those produced by four professional translation firms to identify potential concerns in our own and the professional translations. Results: We identified three primary types of problems of relevance for researchers conducting studies where translation of written information is required. These included nonequivalent registers (in particular, the introduction of more complicated language), errors of omission (reducing the clarity of the information), and changes that altered the substantive meaning of the information. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of working with translators who not only possess “textbook” knowledge of both languages but also an appreciation of the sociocultural factors that affect how people interpret and understand meaning. Moreover, translators who have a basic understanding of research are more likely to accurately convey essential research concepts. We describe a series of steps researchers can take that may help to improve the quality of translated materials.

Opening doors to clinical trial participation among Hispanics: Lessons learned from the Spanish translation of ResearchMatch

“…Various papers have reported on the use of community engagement and review panels to achieve culturally-sensitive Spanish translations of health-related materials [30][31][32][33][34]. The method we used was similar to a patient-centered website that was translated into Spanish to educate Hispanics on living donor kidney transplantation.…”

“…Our method differed, however, in that we relied on the Spanish Language Advisory Panel for frequent and consistent translation insights throughout the process. We not only employed a multiprong approach to include many best practices for translation [30][31][32][33], including forward and backward translations, review by bilingual health professionals, transcreation, pilot testing, and simplifying source material, but we sought out each STAP member's individual opinions and cultural preferences, arriving at final decisions only through consensus. This thorough approach demonstrates respect for the individual Spanish translator, recognizes the individual's importance in developing and informing this resource, and underscores the value of the community's participation in research.…”

Cross-Cultural Questionnaires and the Necessity of Using Native Translators

“…We have mentioned the Hambleton and Zenisky (2011) chapter, but there are earlier and more extensive papers on that issue, as for example van de Vijver and Hambleton (1996), Harkness, Pennell, andSchoua-Glusberg (2004), andHarkness (2008). A recent interesting publication on translation of information on informed consent is Brelsford, Ruiz, and Beskow (2018). Psychology uses many measuring tools.…”

Barriers and Facilitators to Prevention and Care of COVID-19 Infection in Cincinnati Latinx Families: a Community-Based Convergent Mixed Methods Study

“…Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Spanish interviews were transcribed in Spanish, translated into English for coding, and back-translated to verify translation accuracy [ 46 , 47 ]. Data were analyzed by two academic coders (KJM and ARLR) and one community coder (CC) using Dedoose qualitative software to complete thematic analysis [ 48 , 49 ].…”