Hi Tim,
We ran into something similar and my IRB was a bit uneasy, but we did allow it. Here is what we did. We ensured everything was translated and scripted, and had a back translation done. We asked the translators to complete a modified CITI training so they understood their role, in this particular translation. We asked that the researchers hire professional translators, not simply College students in the the country. Given your situation is not more than minimal risk, this may be more than what is needed.
Good luck!
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Kris A. Monahan, Ph.D.
Director Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance
Providence College
Providence, RI
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-13-2021 07:42
From: Tim Deering
Subject: External Translators
Good Morning Cayuse Community members,
We are gearing up for the rush of summer IRB protocols that include international research. A question came up in our office and I am hoping to gain insight on how other institutions would handle this situation.
Here is the scenario:
The research team is interested in conducting no more than minimal risk research in a foreign country. However, no one on the research team is fluent in the language(s) that the potential participants understand. Due to this, the research team plans on using translators to communicate with the participants.
How would your office handle this? What would you consider when reviewing the recruitment and consent processes? How would you handle the external translators and their involvement in the study? Would anyone ever consider approve the use of a translation application?
Any thoughts on this matter is appreciated.
Regards,
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Tim Deering
Human Subjects Research Specialist
Illinois State University
tjdeeri@ilstu.edu
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