Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapists’ Experiences With Middle Eastern Patients and Arabic Interpreters: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore pediatric physical therapists’ (PTs’) experiences including successes, challenges, and barriers with cross-cultural communication with Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern children and their families who require interpreter services. Methods: Eight PTs consented to participate in qualitative dyadic interviews. Transcription and interviews were conducted virtually in Microsoft Teams. Quality criteria included member checking for validity and trustworthiness and bracketing to minimize investigator bias. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify meaning units and major themes. Results: The 6 themes that emerged were: fostering therapeutic relationships, practicing culturally sensitive care, communicating intentionally, experiencing successes, recognizing challenges, and tailoring a physical therapy plan of care. Representative quotations support each theme. Conclusions: Therapists perceive their experiences with Arabic-speaking children, families, and interpreters positively despite challenges related to cultural and language barriers. In sharing their experiences, therapists demonstrated self-reflection, openness to learning, and desire to build strong therapeutic alliances.