Language Translation of Knowledge Mobilization Resources

Summary

Knowledge mobilization (KM) resources are tools designed to facilitate the use of research evidence in healthcare decision-making. These resources are created in various formats - including plain language summaries, infographics, and videos - to meet the needs of diverse end-users, such as healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and caregivers. They are intended to be easily accessible; however, individuals whose first language is not English may have difficulty understanding them. Thus, translating KM resources into other languages is essential to support health equity and accessibility, but it is often costly and time intensive.

This study aims to explore whether artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically ChatGPT - an AI-based large language model developed by OpenAI - can effectively translate KM resources for members of the public whose first language is not English. The resource being evaluated offers guidance on preventing post-COVID-19 condition and has already been translated by a professional (human) translator into seven languages commonly spoken in Canada: French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, and Punjabi. Using ChatGPT, AI-generated translations will be created in those same seven languages.

For this study, participants - adults living in Canada whose first language is one of the selected languages and able to read English - will be randomly assigned to review either an AI-generated or a professionally translated version of a KM resource. They will then complete a questionnaire evaluating their understanding of the resource, as well as the readability and acceptability of the translation.

This study will contribute to the Investigators' understanding of the potential use of AI for translating health information. The goal is to support equitable access to health information and promote citizen-centered care by reducing language barriers using innovative solutions.

Conditions

• Communication Research

Interventions

OTHER

KM Resource - AI

The KM resource (an online resource sheet) was developed for the Public Health Agency of Canada about the prevention of post-covid condition (PCC). The resource presents recommendations that were developed by an international group according to standards for guideline development. The resource has already been AI translated using ChatGPT 4.0 into French as well as six languages common to newcomers across Canada (Arabic, Punjabi, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Chinese, Spanish).

OTHER

KM Resource - Professional

The KM resource (an online resource sheet) was developed for the Public Health Agency of Canada about the prevention of post-covid condition (PCC). The resource presents recommendations that were developed by an international group according to standards for guideline development. The resource has already been professionally translated into French as well as six languages common to newcomers across Canada (Arabic, Punjabi, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Chinese, Spanish).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Alberta

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Lisa Hartling, PhD · University of Alberta

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-28

Primary Completion

2025-11-22

Completion

2027-01-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations