In clinical trials, small language inconsistencies can lead to big consequences.

Clinical trial instruments are translated for use worldwide

Today, as is often the case, I’m translating clinical trial instruments from US to NZ English, and while it might sound like a simple case of changing “practice” to “practise,” the real work goes much deeper.

If a patient misreads a question…

If a phrase feels too foreign…

If a term doesn’t align with local healthcare norms…

>>> It can affect how someone answers.

>>> Which can affect the data.

>>> Which can have big consequences.

Clinical trials rely on precision—but they also rely on people understanding the questions being asked or the instructions being given. That's why thoughtful, region-specific translation matters. It’s not just about local spelling preferences—it’s about accessibility, clarity, and trust. 

At the same time, it's equally important to keep edits to the minimum necessary so there's as little variation as possible between different versions of the instrument.

Personal style or preferences don't belong here. 

Striking this balance is the role of the experienced translator.

Because as is so often the case in translation, the job is about language—

…but the stakes are not just linguistic.

They’re human.