Cochrane’s translation strategy: testing new support models to improve sustainability and effectiveness of translation activities

Article type
Year
Authors
Ried J1, Hassan H2, Anthony J2, Wood J3
1Cochrane Central Executive, Communications and External Affairs, Germany
2Cochrane Central Executive, Communications and External Affairs, UK
3Cochrane Central Executive, Communications and External Affairs, USA
Abstract
Background: Cochrane's translation strategy was approved in 2014, and aims to facilitate translation in a range of languages to make Cochrane evidence more accessible. As of April 2016, translation teams have published over 16,500 translations of Cochrane summaries in 13 languages, mainly relying on low resources and volunteers. Evaluation in 2015 raised challenges in delivering the strategy, leading to a series of adaptations. A key change in 2016 is a pilot to provide limited funding for some languages. Each team sets annual translation and dissemination targets, and the Cochrane Central Executive aims to provide more co-ordinated and tailored support.

Objective: To assess pilot models for supporting Cochrane translation teams.

Methods: Nine teams have been selected to receive central funding based on criteria agreed by Cochrane’s Translation Advisory Group. Funding ranges between an equivalent staff time of one to five working days a week, over a period of ten months. Each team decided how to use its funding, and set their own translation and dissemination targets. Four other teams do not receive funding. All teams receive central support for translation, dissemination and fundraising. The analysis includes the collection of metrics and quarterly progress meetings with each team to cover:
- translation of abstracts, Plain language summaries, podcasts, blogshots, press releases;
- social media and media activities;
- access to cochrane.org;
- volunteer involvement, financial and staff resources.

Results and conclusions: We will present interim results at the Colloquium. It is expected that funded teams will be able to achieve their targets, regularly translate and disseminate Cochrane evidence, see increased access to cochrane.org, social media and/or press coverage for their language, boost volunteer numbers or secure more resources. The analysis should indicate the most effective strategies among teams' approaches. It is also expected that teams will feel more assured about the sustainability of their projects and be able to plan their work better. If expectations are met, models could be fully adopted and expanded going forward.