Linguistic and cultural intermediation in healthcare: in search of an explicit right in Spanish and Catalan legislation
Abstract
In Spain, the right to healthcare is established as a universal right, supported by the current legal framework and implemented through the National Health System. However, the effectiveness of this right can be compromised when language barriers arise between healthcare professionals and patients with limited proficiency in the official local languages, thereby jeopardizing the equity and quality of care provided. This article aims to examine how the legal frameworks in Spain and Catalonia address the right to linguistic mediation in the healthcare sector and how this right is regulated by public policies in Catalonia. In particular, it explores the potential legal recognition of roles such as interpreters and intercultural mediators, as well as their integration into the healthcare system. The findings of this study offer an updated perspective on the regulation—or lack thereof—concerning intercultural communication in healthcare, while also providing an opportunity to reflect on the conditions necessary for more inclusive, effective, and linguistically respectful healthcare services.
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In order to support the global exchange of knowledge, the journal Círculo de Lingüística Aplicada a la Comunicación is allowing unrestricted access to its content as from its publication in this electronic edition, and as such it is an open-access journal. The originals published in this journal are the property of the Complutense University of Madrid and any reproduction thereof in full or in part must cite the source. All content is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 use and distribution licence (CC BY 4.0). This circumstance must be expressly stated in these terms where necessary. You can view the summary and the complete legal text of the licence.
