Bilingual English-Bengali interlinear SACT consent form
Purpose #
A newly created, professionally translated bilingual English–Bengali version of the nationally approved generic SACT (systemic anti-cancer therapy) consent form, used during interpreter-mediated informed-consent consultations to help LEP (Bengali-/Sylheti-speaking) patients understand key treatment information, in place of the conventional English-only form.
"Participants were randomised to receive either an English-only consent form or a newly created, professionally translated, interlinear, bilingual Bengali–English consent form. Interlinear translations maintain proximity of source and target languages, allowing use by readers of both languages." (Hibbs, 2026, p. 3)
Mechanism #
The interlinear layout keeps source (English) and target (Bengali) languages adjacent so that both patient and clinician can read along. The authors propose two mechanisms for its benefit: patients can directly read the information in Bengali in addition to hearing the interpreted consultation, and interpreters can read aloud pre-prepared Bengali translations of specialist terminology rather than interpreting those terms spontaneously.
"Two mechanisms may explain the improved comprehension and confidence seen with the bilingual consent form. First, in addition to hearing the interpreted consultation, participants could directly read the information in Bengali. Second, interpreters could read aloud Bengali translations of specialist terminology, rather than interpreting these terms spontaneously." (Hibbs, 2026, p. 6)
Examples #
Deployed in a simulated SACT consent consultation (daratumumab/bortezomib/thalidomide/dexamethasone first-line myeloma regimen) with a haematologist and professional interpreter. The authors recommend it as a cost-effective, simple measure and suggest it may transfer to other language-discordant contexts including clinical trials.
"We recommend adopting bilingual interlinear consent forms as a cost-effective and relatively simple measure to improve communication and health equity for LEP patients." (Hibbs, 2026, p. 7)