Multi-faceted identities and interactions in mixed health teams

Area of Science:

• Health workforce studies
• Sociology of health
• Conflict and health systems

Background:

• Literature on health workforce in conflict zones is diverse.
• Previous studies highlight the need for research on multifaceted identities of health workers.
• Understanding experiences in divided societies is crucial for health system management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences and perceptions of Arab nurses in Israeli hospitals.
• To identify the complexities of professional, cultural, gender, and national identities for this group.
• To inform strategies for managing health systems in divided societies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing interviews.
• In-depth exploration of experiences of 13 Arab Israeli nurses.
• Focus on perceptions within Israeli hospital settings.

Main Results:

• Arab nurses in Israel navigate multifaceted identities.
• Experiences are shaped by professional, cultural, gender, and national contexts.
• Preliminary findings suggest a need for deeper understanding of these complexities.

Conclusions:

• Health worker experiences in divided societies are complex and require further investigation.
• Managing health systems in inter-group conflict settings necessitates attention to mixed teams.
• The study underscores the importance of recognizing diverse identities within the health workforce.