Language Translation of Knowledge Mobilization Resources

NCT07127887 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: PRO_00153815
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 350
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Keywords

Knowledge mobilization; Artificial intelligence; Linguistic translation; Cultural diversity; Chat GPT; Health Equity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Understanding

  Measured by participant responses to a set of 7 multiple-choice questions specifically designed to evaluate key content knowledge about post COVID-19 condition and related recommendations contained in the resource. The number of correct answers will serve as an objective indicator of understanding, assessing the ability of each translation method to preserve critical concepts.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Readability

  Baseline

• Acceptability

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Group A - AI

EXPERIMENTAL

ChatGPT

Other: KM Resource - AI

Group B - Professional

EXPERIMENTAL

Human translator

Other: KM Resource - Professional

Interventions

KM Resource - AI OTHER

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).

Group A - AI

KM Resource - Professional OTHER

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).

Group B - Professional

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 18 years of age or older
• Living in Canada
• First language is one of the selected languages (i.e. French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, and Punjabi)
• Able to read and complete a questionnaire in English
• Access to an electronic device (e.g. computer or tablet), Internet and email

You may not qualify if:

• Under the age of 18 years
• Does not live in Canada
• First language is not one of the selected languages (i.e. French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, and Punjabi)
• Unable to read and complete a questionnaire in English
• No access to an electronic device (e.g. computer or tablet), Internet or email

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Alberta: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta, T5K2H6, Canada

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Lisa Hartling, PhD

  University of Alberta

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sarah A Elliott, PhD

CONTACT

587-341-5520; se2@ualberta.ca

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Masking Details: Participants will be blinded to the type of translation they receive. They will be informed that the study compares different translation methods but will not be told whether the materials they view were translated by AI or by professional translators.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 allocation ratio) to receive either an AI-translated version or a professionally translated version of a KM resource.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 6, 2025
• First Posted: August 17, 2025
• Study Start: July 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 22, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 31, 2027
• Last Updated: February 9, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CA (1)