Experiences of Arabic–English Interpreters in NHS Healthcare Settings: A Qualitative Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/1ptvzt86Keywords:
Arabic-English interpreters; NHS; healthcare interpreting; cultural mediation; thematic analysis; interpreter wellbeing; cross-cultural communicationAbstract
Effective communication is central to safe, equitable, and patient-centred healthcare. In the NHS, Arabic-English interpreters play an important role in supporting communication between healthcare professionals and Arabic-speaking patients. Despite the growing importance of healthcare interpreting, there remains limited qualitative research on the experiences of Arabic-English interpreters in NHS settings.
This study explored the experiences of Arabic-English interpreters working in NHS healthcare services, with particular attention to the linguistic, cultural, ethical, emotional, and professional challenges they face in their work. A qualitative research design was used, and semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten Arabic-English interpreters working across a range of NHS settings in the UK. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach.
Five connected themes emerged from the analysis: linguistic complexity in healthcare communication, cultural mediation in clinical encounters, negotiating ethical and professional boundaries, emotional labour and interpreter wellbeing, and the need for professional development and institutional support. Participants described challenges related to specialised medical terminology, dialect differences, cultural expectations, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and emotionally difficult consultations. They also explained the strategies they used to manage these issues, such as adapting communication, seeking clarification, and mediating cultural understanding. In addition, they emphasised the value of ongoing professional development, emotional support, and greater recognition of interpreters' roles within healthcare settings.
The findings show that healthcare interpreting involves much more than simply translating language. It requires interpreters to manage complex linguistic, cultural, ethical, and emotional responsibilities. The study underlines the need for continued training, stronger professional support, and closer collaboration between interpreters and healthcare professionals to improve communication and healthcare outcomes for linguistically diverse patient groups.
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