Role of Language Translation for the MedTech (Medical Technology) Industry

Medical Technology is the sector that focuses on continuous improvements in diagnostics, public health, and the treatment of diseases. Its application is widespread among the general public and health practitioners. Thus, it is a rapidly growing industry. MedTech sector may hit US$9.6 billion by 2022. Medical technology today follows you from your birth till death. But language is the global barrier for this industry, also apart from other industries.

Language translation plays an essential role in filling this language gap. It represents the following vital roles in the medical technology industry:

1. Prevents miscommunication between doctor and patient/family: It often happens that the language of patients differs from that of a doctor. Doctors use translation tools as Google translate, but they focus on words that may give an output with incorrect context. For example, statements like "Your wife can donate her organs" may come out with a meaning "Your wife can donate her tools." Thus, language translation of medical reports is essential for conveying correct messages to the family of patients.
2. Helps in doctor-patient communication: The doctor needs to know about the current conditions of the patient to understand the problems with his/her health. The patient must understand the doctor's question and in turn, give the necessary answer. Similarly, the doctor needs to understand the language of the patient. In this era, many medical applications are available where a doctor diagnoses the patient based on the answers to questions asked in the app. Language translation helps in making the diagnosis more accessible and precise. 
3. Aids in following instructions: It often happens that the patient forgets the instructions of the doctor for the medications. The doctor may write them up on a paper, but the patient might not understand the language of the doctor. So, to make the patient understand the instructions and follow them correctly, the instructions demand translation into the local language.
4. Translation of patient reports: Technology is assisting healthcare with multiple numbers of equipment. Every equipment has its set method of generating and displaying the results. These medical reports are generally available in English. But every patient cannot understand the language. The patients should get at least the conclusion of their report in the local language. So, generating a report and then translating it into the local language of the target population helps the patients and even the doctors to understand the reports. 
5. Effective doctor-doctor communication: Specialized doctors from different regions tend to exchange their knowledge with each other. Sometimes they need help from one another. Language translation is the best mediator for effective communication. It helps in the translation of medical journals and publications as well as medical e-learning content. 
6. Instructions and tutorials for handling and maintaining the medical equipment: Technology brings newer types of equipment at a regular time interval in the field of healthcare. The manuals and programs of these types of equipment are generally available in English. Translating them into languages of the target region will help the doctors to understand their applications and methodology of maintenance.

Thus, the MedTech industry needs language translation to distribute their products and services in different parts of the world. This will help the sector to fill the technology gap and language gap in the healthcare sector. 

Lingual Consultancy has been delivering multilingual compliance solutions to our clients in the medical and surgical device, manufacturing, biotechnology, IVD, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries as well as to clinical research organizations (CROs). 
For any medical translation requirements, drop an e-mail at [email protected] or give us a call at +91 124 2848100.