Communication and interaction between native-speaker Norwegian nurses and nurses with Norwegian as a second language in home-based care settings: a qualitative exploratory interpretive study

INTRODUCTION: Language barriers between healthcare personnel can influence patient safety and result in inadequate follow-up and communication of the patient's needs. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore how nurses with Norwegian as a first language (NFL) and nurses with Norwegian as a second language (NSL) experience communication and interaction with each other in home-based workplace settings. METHOD: The study involved in-depth interviews with 14 nurses: seven nurses with NFL and seven with NSL, and Braun and Clarke's framework of reflexive thematic analysis were used. RESULTS: Two main themes were identified: (1) the importance of mutual understanding in professional settings, with subthemes highlighting the need to double-check written communication and clarify oral exchanges; and (2) the value of social interactions among colleagues, emphasizing challenges posed by diverse cultural backgrounds and the necessity for clarification due to different native languages. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the communication challenges in interactions between nurses with NFL and NSL in home-based care. Misunderstandings related to limited language skills may pose a notable threat to patient safety. However, despite the language barriers, nurses with NFL and NSL show strong commitment to clarity and quality, and to working in a positive psychosocial work environment. These findings emphasize the need for organizational support, such as intercultural competence training and clear communication routines, to enhance collaboration and patient safety.