Everyone has been there at least once in their lives. You get sick, and perhaps the only way to remedy the ailment is via prescription medication. No one wants to take prescription meds if they don’t have to, but sometimes they can mean the difference between life and death. Bearing this in mind, it’s no surprise just how important it is for prescriptions to be easy to understand for the patient. For those whose first language is something other than English, however, this seemingly simple thing is anything but a given.

America is a veritable tapestry of nationalities, with Spanish and Chinese being two of the most commonly spoken languages other than English. As one might expect, then, proper English to Spanish translation (or English to Chinese translation, for that matter) can make a world of difference for somebody who is prescribed a medication they are unfamiliar with. The unfortunate side of this, however, is that inaccurate translation occurs more frequently than most people realize, and it’s not uncommon for this issue to spill into the medical field.

The Importance of Accurate Translation

As far as prescription medications are concerned, translation applies in a couple of different, major ways. For one, the prescription itself (ie: the label on the bottle) is extremely important, as it determines the dosage of a medication that the patient is expected to take when sick. An improper dosage can lead to an overdose which, depending upon the medication, can end up being fatal. As a result, there is perhaps nothing more important than ensuring that the information on a bottle of medication is accurately presented.

Another aspect to take into consideration is the documentation that comes along with the medication. Often, this explains the condition and tells the patient exactly how to take the medication as well as what side effects to look for. Inaccurate translation in this case can also cause a great deal of problems, especially considering the fact that those who are unfamiliar with a medication often turn to this documentation in order to guide them in how to take it.

The Dangers of Translation Software

Many doctors offices use software in order to translate their documentation. This can appear to be a great way to save time and money, but translation software tends to be extremely inaccurate. The end result is a piece of documentation that the patient risks having a hard time understanding. If a death were to occur, so too could a lawsuit. Keeping translation software out of the medical field is essential to ensuring the safety of patients who don’t understand English, which should never be overlooked.

Working With a Translation Agency

Translation agencies are adept at handling medical documents, especially agencies who work with physicians on a regular basis. It may seem at first as if hiring an agency will be more costly than handling a translation on your own, but in the end, it can help you to prevent a potentially costly lawsuit.