How three reading methods affect medical students' understanding of English medical papers
Official title: A Study on the Effect of Medical Students' Literature Reading Patterns on Cognitive Load and Academic Writing Ability
Run by Zhongnan Hospital · NCT07460258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether reading original English, using a bilingual comparison, or relying on a full translation helps medical students understand English medical papers more accurately, reduces mental effort, and improves academic writing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Zhongnan Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Wuhan, Hubei and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07460258 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are current clinical medicine or related-program students at Zhongnan Hospital who voluntarily consent and have not previously read the selected papers.
✕Probably not a fit
Native English speakers, professional translators, or students who already know the chosen texts are unlikely to gain measurable benefit from the interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study compares three English-reading modes—original English text, bilingual side-by-side comparison, and full translation—on comprehension accuracy, perceived cognitive load, terminology mastery, and academic writing ability. Clinical medicine and related-program students at Zhongnan Hospital will follow one reading mode and complete comprehension tests, self-report cognitive load measures, terminology tasks, and writing assessments. The protocol excludes native English speakers, those with translation backgrounds, and students who have previously read the selected papers. The project also examines whether frequent reliance on AI translation tools produces a 'terminology shortage' in learners.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clearer comprehension and stronger academic writing among future clinicians could improve the clarity of medical communication and ultimately benefit patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on bilingual reading and cognitive load offers mixed but generally supportive evidence that bilingual comparison can aid comprehension, while the AI-translation 'terminology shortage' angle is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Students currently enrolled in our school's clinical medicine or related programs. Voluntarily participate and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Native English speakers or those with a background in translation. Previously, they have read the specific literature selected for this study.
Where it's running
-
Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
Wuhan, Hubei, China Recruiting -
Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
Wuhan, Hubei, China Recruiting -
Zhongnan Hospital
Wuhan, Hubei, China Not yet recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.