Understanding the Importance and Future Directions of Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare: Developing a Culturally sensitive Patient Experience Framework with Emirati Patients as a Case Study

Abstract

In healthcare, patient feedback is pivotal for enhancing care quality, satisfaction, and trust. Cultural factors, as evidenced in previous studies on Emirati patients, significantly shape these perceptions. This paper underscores the universal need for culturally sensitive patient experience frameworks, using Emirati patients as a case study. Distinctly, it differentiates between the Patient Experience Framework, a blueprint for positive patient experiences, and the Patient Experience Survey, a tool for gauging actual experiences. Given the UAE's healthcare workforce, predominantly non-Emirati, challenges arise in cultural competency. This paper emphasizes the importance of qualitative studies for deeper insights into patient experiences, especially in the Arab-Muslim context. By considering cultural beliefs, traditional medicine, modesty, spirituality, and familial roles, healthcare providers can enhance Arab-Muslim patient experiences in outpatient settings. As the UAE prioritizes healthcare, this study advocates for contextually adapted frameworks, emphasizing the need for further research and training in culturally sensitive care. This collaborative research sets the foundation for future studies on patient experience frameworks in diverse cultural contexts.