AI vs. human translators: who makes health info clearer?
NCT ID NCT07127887
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether ChatGPT can translate health resources about preventing post-COVID condition as accurately as professional human translators. Over 300 adults in Canada whose first language is French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, or Punjabi reviewed either an AI or human translation and answered questions to check their understanding. The goal is to see if AI can help make health information more accessible and affordable for people who don't speak English.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AI translation (ChatGPT 4.0) vs. professional human translation
- What this could lead to
- If AI translation works well, it could make health information cheaper and faster to translate, helping more people access important health guidance in their first language.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study focused on understanding, not health outcomes. AI translations may miss cultural nuances or medical accuracy, and results may not apply to other languages or resources.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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322 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Finished
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Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * • 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 Exclusion Criteria: * • 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
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, T5K2H6, Canada
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