English Language Proficiency as a Critical Factor in Patient Safety: Challenges for Non-Native Medical Staff

Background: In modern healthcare environments, where medical teams are often multinational and diverse, English has emerged as the global language of communication. For non-native English-speaking healthcare professionals, limited language proficiency poses significant challenges that can directly impact patient safety. In countries like Saudi Arabia, where a substantial proportion of medical staff are expatriates, communication breakdowns due to inadequate English skills are a growing concern.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the link between English language proficiency and the frequency and severity of communication-related errors in patient care.
Method: This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys, structured interviews, and direct observation across multiple Saudi medical institutions. Participants included nurses, resident doctors, and allied health professionals from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Conclusion: Findings indicated that insufficient English language proficiency is a key contributing factor to misdiagnoses, medication errors, and delays in treatment. The study highlighted the urgent need for institutional policies that enforce language standards and provide targeted English as a Second Language (ESL) training. Enhancing English communication skills is not only a matter of professional competence but a crucial component of patient safety.