Clínic-IDIBAPS's official website incorporates two new features: automated synth voice reading for health topics (disease information sheets) and news items—available in Catalan, Spanish, and English—and semi-automated transcription for the website's videos and podcasts, transforming audiovisual content into searchable and indexable text. Both additions build on the 73 accessibility measures implemented in December 2025, which reviewed keyboard navigation, semantic code structure, accessible naming for interactive elements, forms, and color contrast across major templates.
Automated audio reading for content and news
For news and articles, a system has been integrated to automatically convert text contents into synthesized audio. This feature covers disease fact sheets, tests and procedures, healthy living guides, as well as institutional research and health news, featuring voices available in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Content freshness control
In a healthcare environment, up-to-date information is essential for rigor. For this reason, the system detects any changes made to written content and automatically flags the corresponding audio version as outdated. This ensures that outdated audio is never broadcast; instead, a new version is synthesized reflecting the revisions.
User benefits
Audio reading expands the website's reach to users with reading difficulties, older adults, and promotes health literacy. At the same time, it increases the number of formats indexable by search engines and voice AI assistants, making it easier to consume long-form content on mobile devices.
Semi-automated video and podcast transcription
The second feature deployed turns Clinicbarcelona.org's audiovisual library—and specifically PortalCLÍNIC's media—into indexable text. The process is powered by the YouTube API for videos and an assisted workflow for podcasts.
Strengthening the semantic layer
Transcription goes beyond generating subtitles. Each audiovisual piece now features a full-text version that enhances its search engine visibility, enables the creation of derivative editorial content (such as FAQs), and makes it easier for AI systems to query and cite information validated by the Hospital.
Furthermore, this text-based layer is a prerequisite for future developments in semantic search and conversational user experiences.
Accessibility improvements implemented in December 2025
In December 2025, approximately 73 corrective measures were applied to the portal's main templates. These actions align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), European regulatory frameworks, and the European Accessibility Act.
- Keyboard navigation and focus management: Critical barriers were identified and resolved for keyboard-only users, including drop-down menus that could not be closed using the Esc key and a search button that failed to respond to the Enter key. Tab navigation sequence was reordered to match the visual layout, non-interactive elements were removed from the focus path, and a "skip to main content" link was consistently added across all templates to maintain a modern, up-to-date front-end code.
- Semantic structure and landmarks: Generic containers were replaced with appropriate semantic tags across navigation menus, forms, pagination, search results, dates, and image captions. This structure allows assistive technologies to correctly identify different page landmarks and navigate them efficiently.
- Accessible names and states: Unique and descriptive accessible names were assigned to links, logos, and buttons that were previously announced ambiguously or duplicated. Necessary attributes were also added to communicate the state of interactive elements (e.g., active page, expanded drop-downs, or action confirmations).
- Forms and color contrast: Form validation messages were updated for clarity and proper translation, and required field indicators were standardized. Additionally, the web color palette—including links, buttons, breadcrumbs, and banner overlays—was revised to ensure compliance with WCAG Level AA minimum contrast ratios.
A continuous and updated commitment
Together, these initiatives drive a single goal: ensuring that health information produced by Hospital Clínic Barcelona reaches the widest possible audience, regardless of ability, device used, or preferred format/assistant. This strategy positions Clinicbarcelona.org effectively within the emerging zero-click search environment, preserving its relevance and competitiveness in today's changing digital landscape.
