Recommendations for healthcare providers preparing to work in the Middle East: A Campinha-Bacote cultural competence model approach

Abstract

Healthcare providers (HCPs) seeking professional and personal development via an international placement may be enticed to choose the Middle East. With a unique setting and lifestyle rich in culture, tradition, history and religion, the Middle East also offers financial benefits that are more difficult to achieve in one’s own country of origin.  Making a successful transition to another culture requires time and preparation to mitigate culture shock. The authors highlight some key recommendations to aid healthcare providers in transitioning to work in the Middle East. These recommendations are based on Campinha-Bacote’s (2002) cultural competence model, with the core tenets of cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural skill, cultural encounter and cultural desire. Guidelines for transitioning to work in the Middle East are applicable to all healthcare providers and to other settings.