Xun Li coordinates the Simplified Chinese translation project. Here she tells us about an initiative to incorporate the translation of Cochrane abstracts and Plain Language Summaries into medical English courses at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM).
How did the initiative begin?
The idea of making the translation of Cochrane evidence part of medical English courses at BUCM arose due to the need for medical English students to understand systematic review methodology. At the same time, it also solved the need to find translation volunteers to make Cochrane evidence accessible in Simplified Chinese. It is an opportunity for students to practice medical translation, as well as an efficient way to learn about systematic review (SR) methodology. In addition, at BUCM, it is important for Medical English majors to fully comprehend the concept of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and establish translation capacity. The initiative is supported by some education funding from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
How does it work?
Cochrane abstract translation was introduced to undergraduates majoring in Medical English at BUCM in their sixth and seventh semesters. In the sixth semester, we introduced the concept of Cochrane SRs and encouraged students to practice translating the abstracts and Plain language summaries (PLS) into Chinese. In the seventh semester, we revised the translations and selected two typical pieces as the teaching material for the class and spent an hour focusing on the structure and skills for translation. Forty-nine students formed 24 groups and selected 24 abstracts and PLS as assignments. In the first week each group finished the translation and summarized the questions they encountered. In the second week we organized a discussion and each group finalized the translation and went through a revision process. When the students handed in the translation, we did the final revision and submitted it to Cochrane via Smartling, at the same time sending feedback and scores to the students. The score counted for 10% of the final marks for the Medical English Translation course.
Has the scheme been a success so far?
After proper training, the third year undergraduates are capable of translating Cochrane SR abstracts and PLS. It is therefore worth trying to teach an approach that integrates methodology and practical skills. The Cochrane translation practice has been a set part in teaching for Medical English Majors in BUCM and will continue, with improvements, in the future. Furthermore, many students have been encouraged by the recognition of their own translation work and have consequently struck up an interest in evidence based medicine and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Some of the students have continued to do volunteer translation for us, after being introduced to it during the course. Working with students has overall been a very positive experience and something we recommend to other translation teams.
