Quality and safety issue: language barriers in healthcare, a qualitative study of non-Arab healthcare practitioners caring for Arabic patients in the UAE

Abstract

Objectives

To identify language-related communication barriers that expatriate (non-Arabic) healthcare practitioners in the UAE encounter in their daily practice.

Design

Qualitative study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted in English language.

Setting

Different healthcare facilities across the UAE. These facilities were accessed for data collection over a period of 3 months from January 2023 to March 2023.

Participants

14 purposively selected healthcare practitioners.

Intervention

No specific intervention was implemented; this study primarily aimed at gaining insights through interviews.

Primary and secondary outcomes

To understand the implications of language barriers on service quality, patient safety, and healthcare providers’ well-being.

Results

Three main themes emerged from our analysis of participants’ narratives: Feeling left alone, Trying to come closer to their patients and Feeling guilty, scared and dissatisfied.

Conclusions

Based on the perspectives and experiences of participating healthcare professionals, language barriers have notably influenced the delivery of healthcare services, patient safety and the well-being of both patients and practitioners in the UAE. There is a pressing need, as highlighted by these professionals, for the inclusion of professional interpreters and the provision of training to healthcare providers to enhance effective collaboration with these interpreters.