1. 1 Global communication in science: a challenge Robert West SRNT Europe 2006

2. 2 Possible barriers to communication Inability to read foreign languages Lack of interest in other countries or regions Chauvenism Inability to afford access to foreign literature

3. 3 Possible missed opportunities Failure to recognise potentially effective interventions Culture-specific models of behaviour Failure to give due consideration to alternative approaches to policy or clinical practice

4. 4 Possible solutions Genuinely global evidence databases Foreign language journal alerting service Increase in free- or cheap-access to research findings Specific foreign language translation services Organising sessions at conferences Organising workshops and seminars Editorials and articles raising awareness of the issue