Crowdsourcing: Jeff Howe coined the term and wrote the book; many companies are buying into the idea. Wikipedia defines it as "the act of taking a task traditionally performed by an employee or contractor, and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people, in the form of an open call.”
To use the collective intelligence of many to do the work of a specialized few is good in theory. When it saves companies money, all the better, right? If you have a large, diverse group of qualified people, the knowledge of the crowd is a useful resource.
Is crowdsourcing the answer to the growing need for translations?
Crowdsourcing translation work for free has gotten a lot of press lately. No longer are non-profit companies requesting help on the cheap, companies are using free labor for profit. Internet sites like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn all crowdsource translations and the industry seems to embrace it.
According to Howe, “[i]f there is one industry where crowdsourcing can turn things upside down, it is the translation industry.” Based solely on supply and demand, Howe claims the few hundred thousand translators existing worldwide are not enough to meet the growing need.
What about quality? In general, good professional translators will not work for free. If they do, it is for passion or prestige. Translating is laborious and intensive work. A good translation is not something the majority of native speakers of any language can produce. It is kind of like saying all English speakers are great English writers.
Ultimately, there is a place for crowdsourcing in the mix of human and machine translation but it is not the solution for everyone. It is not a good option for companies concerned about their brand, or in the highly-technical medical or legal fields where precision is unyieldingly required and confidentiality would preclude dumping out content to the masses.
Companies need to consider which solution will yield the best and most cost effective results and plan accordingly. Where quality is less important than cost, and where deadlines are unimportant, crowdsourcing translation projects is effective, but the reality is, you get what you pay for.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
DUR 2T YR RX?
Reaching a global patient means more than just speaking their native language. You have to know HOW to reach them too.
What is the one thing you rarely see a teenager without?
That’s right: their cell phone.
It rings and bings constantly as text messages, Tweets and Facebook posts stream in.
If they happen to be one of the 186,300 people under the age of 20 who have diabetes, why not put that attachment to good use?
Historically, healthcare professionals have struggled to gain teen compliance, with little success; however, a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests texting may be the way to make it happen.
Researchers used a program to send text messages to young liver transplant patients reminding them to take their medications. The results were “with text messaging, patients were more likely to take their medications than they had been before.”
Let’s apply this lesson. Whether you communicate in English, Spanish or Mandarin, the message is only effective if it reaches the intended target.
DUR 2T YR RX?
(Did you remember to take your medication?)
What is the one thing you rarely see a teenager without?
That’s right: their cell phone.
It rings and bings constantly as text messages, Tweets and Facebook posts stream in.
If they happen to be one of the 186,300 people under the age of 20 who have diabetes, why not put that attachment to good use?
Historically, healthcare professionals have struggled to gain teen compliance, with little success; however, a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests texting may be the way to make it happen.
Researchers used a program to send text messages to young liver transplant patients reminding them to take their medications. The results were “with text messaging, patients were more likely to take their medications than they had been before.”
Let’s apply this lesson. Whether you communicate in English, Spanish or Mandarin, the message is only effective if it reaches the intended target.
DUR 2T YR RX?
(Did you remember to take your medication?)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Help Recruit the Rarest Patient
Half of all clinical trial delays are a result of patient recruitment problems. Imagine the struggle faced by researchers of rare diseases. In addition to the normal recruitment problems, as well as the standard 20-30% post enrollment dropout rate, they are working with very limited patient populations.
To get viable results for rare disease studies you need adequate participation. The problem is people receiving Supplemental Social Security income are not allowed by US law to accept compensation for research. Doing so makes them ineligible to receive government medical benefits and prevents them from participating in clinical studies. Take that limited pool of participants and make it smaller. Now find a cure. Good luck.
As of the end of September, over 100 patient, academic and industry organizations have joined to support legislation that enables individuals with rare diseases to participate in clinical trials without losing their eligibility for government assisted healthcare benefits. Some of these include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the National Health Council, PhRMA and the Yale University Medical College.
According to Robert Beall, PhD., President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, “Clinical trials are critical for developing effective therapies for cystic fibrosis and dozens of other rare diseases. Quick passage of this bill by Congress will support life-saving research for many people in need.” (Medical News Today 9/29/09)
The bill was introduced into the Senate September 16th and is called “The Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act.”
“This bill allows patients with a rare disease to disregard up to $2,000 of compensation received for participation in a clinical trial in their SSI and Medicaid income calculations,” said Senator Inhofe. “Though it will have a negligible impact on the federal budget, it will make a dramatic difference in the lives of those who will gain access to potentially life-saving treatments by enrolling in clinical trials as well as all those in the future whose lives will be improved by the medical advances that arise from this research.”
Over 30 million Americans are afflicted with one of the roughly 700 existing rare diseases and it is estimated two new pathologies are described every week in medical publications.
To track the current status of this bill, please click here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2866
Please feel free to let your elected House and Senate representatives know you support this bill. Their contact information can be found here: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
You can even Tweet your support!
To get viable results for rare disease studies you need adequate participation. The problem is people receiving Supplemental Social Security income are not allowed by US law to accept compensation for research. Doing so makes them ineligible to receive government medical benefits and prevents them from participating in clinical studies. Take that limited pool of participants and make it smaller. Now find a cure. Good luck.
As of the end of September, over 100 patient, academic and industry organizations have joined to support legislation that enables individuals with rare diseases to participate in clinical trials without losing their eligibility for government assisted healthcare benefits. Some of these include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the National Health Council, PhRMA and the Yale University Medical College.
According to Robert Beall, PhD., President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, “Clinical trials are critical for developing effective therapies for cystic fibrosis and dozens of other rare diseases. Quick passage of this bill by Congress will support life-saving research for many people in need.” (Medical News Today 9/29/09)
The bill was introduced into the Senate September 16th and is called “The Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act.”
“This bill allows patients with a rare disease to disregard up to $2,000 of compensation received for participation in a clinical trial in their SSI and Medicaid income calculations,” said Senator Inhofe. “Though it will have a negligible impact on the federal budget, it will make a dramatic difference in the lives of those who will gain access to potentially life-saving treatments by enrolling in clinical trials as well as all those in the future whose lives will be improved by the medical advances that arise from this research.”
Over 30 million Americans are afflicted with one of the roughly 700 existing rare diseases and it is estimated two new pathologies are described every week in medical publications.
To track the current status of this bill, please click here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2866
Please feel free to let your elected House and Senate representatives know you support this bill. Their contact information can be found here: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml
You can even Tweet your support!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Is the "Pink" Message Getting To You?
Pink is hot right now. In case you have missed the signs: from pink gloves and sneakers worn by NFL players to the barrage of ads on the TV and radio, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Society, 194,280 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 40,610 will die from the disease. Studies show that women who undergo reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy experience better quality of life. Reconstruction boosts self-esteem, body image and sexuality. Not all women choose reconstruction but all women should at least be presented with the option.
This is not always the case. A recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, compared breast reconstruction among white women, African American women, Latina women who were highly acculturated (integrated into American society) and Latina women who were less acculturated. Of the 806 women studied, 41% of white women, 41% of highly acculturated Latinas and 34% of African American women underwent reconstruction; whereas, only 14% of less acculturated Latinas did.
Study researchers, from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, found the lower rate was not due to lack of interest. More than half of the less acculturated Latinas responded they would have liked more information about reconstructive surgery. They also claim this group was less likely to report their surgeon explained reconstruction to them or referred them to a plastic surgeon.
The study recommends better efforts be made to present breast reconstruction options to all patients, including those who do not speak English. They plan to do further research to understand how language and cultural issues affect a women’s choice to undergo reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy.
In addition to understanding their reconstructive options, targeted breast cancer awareness messages need to be directed at minority ethnic groups explaining symptoms, availability of screenings and insurance coverage. Women diagnosed with breast cancer in its earliest stage have a 9 out of 10 survival rate beyond five years. For cancer in its latest stage that has metastasized to other areas of the body, this rate drops to 1 out of 10. As you can see, early detection is key to survival.
This month is all about breast cancer awareness. For early detection and better survival, let’s make sure the “pink” message gets to everyone!
For more information about breast cancer in English and Spanish, including screening, prevention and treatment options, please visit the National Cancer Institute website:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
According to the American Cancer Society, 194,280 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 40,610 will die from the disease. Studies show that women who undergo reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy experience better quality of life. Reconstruction boosts self-esteem, body image and sexuality. Not all women choose reconstruction but all women should at least be presented with the option.
This is not always the case. A recent study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, compared breast reconstruction among white women, African American women, Latina women who were highly acculturated (integrated into American society) and Latina women who were less acculturated. Of the 806 women studied, 41% of white women, 41% of highly acculturated Latinas and 34% of African American women underwent reconstruction; whereas, only 14% of less acculturated Latinas did.
Study researchers, from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, found the lower rate was not due to lack of interest. More than half of the less acculturated Latinas responded they would have liked more information about reconstructive surgery. They also claim this group was less likely to report their surgeon explained reconstruction to them or referred them to a plastic surgeon.
The study recommends better efforts be made to present breast reconstruction options to all patients, including those who do not speak English. They plan to do further research to understand how language and cultural issues affect a women’s choice to undergo reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy.
In addition to understanding their reconstructive options, targeted breast cancer awareness messages need to be directed at minority ethnic groups explaining symptoms, availability of screenings and insurance coverage. Women diagnosed with breast cancer in its earliest stage have a 9 out of 10 survival rate beyond five years. For cancer in its latest stage that has metastasized to other areas of the body, this rate drops to 1 out of 10. As you can see, early detection is key to survival.
This month is all about breast cancer awareness. For early detection and better survival, let’s make sure the “pink” message gets to everyone!
For more information about breast cancer in English and Spanish, including screening, prevention and treatment options, please visit the National Cancer Institute website:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ayudame...
In your day to day conversations, when the subject of human trafficking arises, images of young girls on the streets of Japan or India probably cross your mind. What you may not realize is that human trafficking is alive and well right here in the United States. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and some US territories.
According to the US Department of State, an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the US annually for the purposes of commercial sex and/or labor exploitation or domestic servitude. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to compel women, men and children to engage in these activities.
Most sources agree, the covert nature of the crime, relative invisibility of its victims and the extreme amount of under reporting of the crime, mean these numbers are probably low estimates. Our melting pot identity sets up the US to be a trafficking magnet with people commonly trafficked from East Asia, Central & South America and Eastern Europe.
The greatest challenge lies in reaching and identifying victims. More needs to be done to reach victims in their native language and increased cross cultural and linguistic training activities need to be provided for social workers, health care professionals and law enforcement workers. It’s great that there is a 24-hour hotline you can call for assistance, but if you are petrified and only speak Korean, will the English speaking person on the other end be able to help you?
Victims need to understand information about their rights and translation services need to be made available. In the time period between, October of 2000 and fiscal year 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certified 1,379 foreign national victims of human trafficking. Despite the fact that over 10,000 people are trafficked into the US every year, only hundreds are assisted. Clearly more effort needs to be made to reach the people that need our help the most.
If you suspect a trafficking crime or need help, please call the national 24 hour toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 1-888-373-7888.
According to the US Department of State, an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the US annually for the purposes of commercial sex and/or labor exploitation or domestic servitude. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to compel women, men and children to engage in these activities.
Most sources agree, the covert nature of the crime, relative invisibility of its victims and the extreme amount of under reporting of the crime, mean these numbers are probably low estimates. Our melting pot identity sets up the US to be a trafficking magnet with people commonly trafficked from East Asia, Central & South America and Eastern Europe.
The greatest challenge lies in reaching and identifying victims. More needs to be done to reach victims in their native language and increased cross cultural and linguistic training activities need to be provided for social workers, health care professionals and law enforcement workers. It’s great that there is a 24-hour hotline you can call for assistance, but if you are petrified and only speak Korean, will the English speaking person on the other end be able to help you?
Victims need to understand information about their rights and translation services need to be made available. In the time period between, October of 2000 and fiscal year 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certified 1,379 foreign national victims of human trafficking. Despite the fact that over 10,000 people are trafficked into the US every year, only hundreds are assisted. Clearly more effort needs to be made to reach the people that need our help the most.
If you suspect a trafficking crime or need help, please call the national 24 hour toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 1-888-373-7888.
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