The role and position of intercultural workers in the provision of health care to refugees and migrants in the Czech Republic

Czech version

Authors: Elena Tulupova ¹; Eva Dohnalová ²; Jolana Kopsa Těšinová ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav veřejného zdravotnictví a medicínského práva 1. LF UK v Praze ¹; Katedra sociologie, andragogiky a kulturní antropologie FF UP v Olomouci ²
Published in: Čas. Lék. čes. 2025; 164: 25-31
Category: Review Articles

Overview

Intercultural workers (also intercultural mediators, community interpreters) play a key role in overcoming language and cultural barriers between migrants and the healthcare systems of host countries. Based on international practice, the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends the integration of intercultural mediators into healthcare systems throughout the European region to ensure equity, quality and sustainability of the healthcare system in an intercultural and multicultural environment. This article analyzes the emergence and status of the intercultural worker profession and its role in the process of providing various types of healthcare to refugees and migrants in the Czech Republic, focusing on legal, social and health aspects. It also describes the key challenges of integrating intercultural work into the existing healthcare and social system and suggests practical recommendations for improving cooperation between healthcare institutions and these key actors.

Keywords:

intercultural worker, migrant, refugee, language barrier, intercultural communication

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Addictology Allergology and clinical immunology Angiology Audiology Clinical biochemistry Dermatology & STDs Paediatric gastroenterology Paediatric surgery Paediatric cardiology Paediatric neurology Paediatric ENT Paediatric psychiatry Paediatric rheumatology Diabetology Pharmacy Vascular surgery Pain management Dental Hygienist

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