Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: One aim of Cochrane’s 'Strategy to 2020' is the multilingual translation of Cochrane content - particularly from Cochrane Reviews - to make Cochrane evidence more widely accessible and comprehensible. German translations are supervised and edited by three individual teams, based in Switzerland and Germany, with different expertise, focus and translation strategies.
Objectives: To co-ordinate the translation of Cochrane Plain language summaries and Abstracts into German between three independent teams.
Methods: The co-ordination of the three independent translation teams is based on three major aspects. First, standardization of translations and editing of translations: when possible the groups use a standardized glossary - which includes definitions - to translate terms that are frequently used in Cochrane Reviews. All translators have access to this glossary. Similarly, the groups agreed to apply common criteria for editing the translations and to ensure the highest possible quality standards. Second, staying up-to-date: we use a Google spreadsheet to track the current status of ongoing translations and document which translations are completed or outdated and which reviews have recently been published. This spreadsheet gives a comprehensive overview of the translations, the translators and their activity. Lastly, talking to each other: ongoing and prompt communication is key to a successful co-operation. Meetings on at least an annual basis and regular exchange of emails allows us to maintain a successful collaboration.
Results: All three teams have successfully implemented their individual strategies, and overall 739 translations have been published (up to April 2016). High-quality, timely translation of Cochrane content is achieved by involving teams from different disciplines.
Conclusions: The collaborative efforts of multiple translation coordinators are a promising approach to the translation and publication of Cochrane Reviews from different medical specialties, the involvement of translators with various backgrounds, and the increase of the recognition of Cochrane Review translations.
Objectives: To co-ordinate the translation of Cochrane Plain language summaries and Abstracts into German between three independent teams.
Methods: The co-ordination of the three independent translation teams is based on three major aspects. First, standardization of translations and editing of translations: when possible the groups use a standardized glossary - which includes definitions - to translate terms that are frequently used in Cochrane Reviews. All translators have access to this glossary. Similarly, the groups agreed to apply common criteria for editing the translations and to ensure the highest possible quality standards. Second, staying up-to-date: we use a Google spreadsheet to track the current status of ongoing translations and document which translations are completed or outdated and which reviews have recently been published. This spreadsheet gives a comprehensive overview of the translations, the translators and their activity. Lastly, talking to each other: ongoing and prompt communication is key to a successful co-operation. Meetings on at least an annual basis and regular exchange of emails allows us to maintain a successful collaboration.
Results: All three teams have successfully implemented their individual strategies, and overall 739 translations have been published (up to April 2016). High-quality, timely translation of Cochrane content is achieved by involving teams from different disciplines.
Conclusions: The collaborative efforts of multiple translation coordinators are a promising approach to the translation and publication of Cochrane Reviews from different medical specialties, the involvement of translators with various backgrounds, and the increase of the recognition of Cochrane Review translations.