
Healthcare in the Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
- 1st Edition - November 2, 2023
- Editors: May McCreaddie, Gary E. Day, Jane Leanne Griffiths
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 8 3 3 5 6 - 1
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 8 3 3 5 7 - 8
Healthcare in the Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East is the first evidence-based, English-language textbook to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare in this region… Read more

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Request a sales quoteHealthcare in the Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East is the first evidence-based, English-language textbook to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare in this region, where health systems are rapidly evolving and feature large numbers of expatriate health professionals serving a population with diverse ethnic, social, cultural and environmental needs.
This unique book covers relevant research, conditions and appropriate interventions and treatment. Readers will gain an insight into the key health challenges of the region and how to approach them, as well as local healthcare structures and cultural considerations such as Islam and healthcare, culturally competent communication and the role of the family.
Written by experienced international and local academics and professionals, this book will be invaluable for students, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in working in this fascinating region.
This unique book covers relevant research, conditions and appropriate interventions and treatment. Readers will gain an insight into the key health challenges of the region and how to approach them, as well as local healthcare structures and cultural considerations such as Islam and healthcare, culturally competent communication and the role of the family.
Written by experienced international and local academics and professionals, this book will be invaluable for students, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in working in this fascinating region.
- Based on the latest evidence – provides a comprehensive overview of key healthcare challenges in region
- Features numerous Arabic contributors as well as non-Arabic contributors with experience and expertise in the region
- Key strategic, local and individual healthcare approaches – including a generic adaptable toolkit
- Short case studies and thinking grids for appropriate care
- Discussion of social, cultural and environmental perspectives specific to the region
- Easy to read and follow
- Highly practical – covers key topics including: Islam and healthcare; pain management; palliative and end of life care; culturally competent communication; consumer-driven healthcare; the family in healthcare in the Arabian gulf; communicable and non-communicable diseases
Expatriate and Non-expatriate healthcare workers (nurses, allied health professionals, medics) intending to work or study - or currently working or studying - in the GCC or middle east
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Dedication
- Contributors
- Editors
- Authors
- Abbreviations
- Prologue
- Background
- The Editors
- The Chapters
- Summary
- Further Reading
- Section I: Specific Conditions, Specific Challenges
- 1. Healthcare in Islam
- Chapter Outline
- Overview
- Introduction
- Basic Islamic Beliefs
- The Sharia
- The Muslim Community and Healthcare
- Prevention
- Sickness is a Test
- Seeking Medical Treatment
- The Physical and the Spiritual
- The Permissible and the Impermissible
- The Practicality of Islam
- The Prophet’s Medicine
- Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) in Islam
- Physician-Assisted Suicide, Euthanasia, Suicide and Removal of Life-Support Equipment
- Blood and Organ Donation
- Summary
- References
- Internet Sites
- 2. The Family in Healthcare in the Arabian Gulf
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Marital Practices
- Fertility and Childrearing
- The Extended Family
- Male Health
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 3. Consumer-Driven HealthCare
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Specific Challenges/Regional Aspects
- Specific Interventions
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 4. Lifestyle 1: Metabolic Syndromes—Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the Arabian Gulf
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Complications of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Middle East
- Other Metabolic Conditions Particularly Prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Contributory Factors to Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: Vitamin D Deficiency
- Summary
- References
- 5. Lifestyle 2: Obesity, Body Image and Nutrition
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Epidemiology of Obesity
- Lifespan and Sex
- The Impact of Obesity
- Factors Contributing to Obesity in the Arabian Gulf
- Ramadan and Fasting
- Obesity and Body Image
- Obesity Interventions
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 6. Women’s Health in The Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East: Achievements and Challenges
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Maternal and Child Health
- Contraception Use
- Sexual Health Services
- Abortion
- Well Women Clinic
- Do Muslim Women Need Saving?
- Summary
- References
- 7. Female Incontinence in the Middle East: Revisiting a Priority in Women’s Health
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Urinary Incontinence and Faecal Incontinence: Definition
- Background
- Evidence Base: Global and Regional
- Urinary Incontinence and Faecal Incontinence: An Outline of the Condition
- Regional Aspects and Specific Challenges
- Specific Interventions
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- FURTHER READING
- 8. Mental Health and Well-Being
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Defining Mental Health
- Mental Ill-Health
- Global Prevalence and the Burden of Mental Disorders
- Regional Prevalence
- Regional Challenges
- Mental Health Services: Promoting Person-Centred and Rights-based Approaches
- Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being/Preventing Mental Illness
- Early Intervention
- Treatment
- Community-Based Mental Health Services
- Crisis Interventions
- Future Directions
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 9. Infection
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Global Impacts
- Regional Impacts
- Regional Challenges
- Specific Interventions
- Summary
- References
- 10. Upper and Lower Respiratory Conditions
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- History taking and assessment
- Treatment and care
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 11. Communication and Caring in Culturally Diverse Settings
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction: Communication, Care and Diversity
- Communication per SE
- The Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East
- High Context and Low Context Aspects of Communication
- Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Communication in Healthcare
- The Example of the Handover
- Cultural Diversity among Staff
- Cultural Competency Inputs
- Migrant Workers
- Caring and Intimacy—Islam and Fundamental Care
- Intimacy: Privacy, Modesty, Touch and Eye Contact
- Ablutions and Hygiene
- Prayer
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Childbirth/Maternity
- Fundamental Care Revisited
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- Further Reading
- 12. Family Medicine
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background: Family Medicine in the Gulf Cooperation Council
- Current Practice
- Preventative Healthcare
- Appropriate Prescribing and Adherence
- Challenges and Opportunities
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 13. Psychological Support
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background to Psychosocial Support in the Arab World
- Barriers and Drivers for Psychosocial Support
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- Section II: Key Healthcare Approaches
- 14. Pharmacy in the Arabian Gulf and Greater Middle East
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Pharmaceutical Supply
- Substandard and Falsified Medicines
- Scope of Practice of Pharmacist
- Interprofessional Pharmacy Education
- Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use
- Medication Waste and Disposal
- Self-Medication with Antibiotics
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- 15. Pain Management
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Pain management in the Middle East
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- FURTHER READING
- 16. End-of-Life Care
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Definitions of Palliative and End-of-Life Care
- The Development of Palliative Care Services in the Middle East
- Training and Educational Requirements for Palliative Care in the Middle East
- End-of-Life Care Decisions and Treatment Options in an Islamic Culture
- Practical Opportunities and Challenges in Providing Nursing Care Near the End Of Life
- Key Points in Providing Culturally Sensitive Palliative Care (Case Study 16.2)
- Summary and Takeaway Points
- References
- FURTHER READING
- 17. Technology-Enhanced Learning and Leadership
- Chapter Outline
- Introduction
- Background
- Specific Challenges and Interventions
- Technology as a Positive Disruptor
- Summary
- References
- Epilogue: The ‘Camel’ in the Room…
- Summary
- Appendix. Some Helpful Information and Advice for Those Considering Working in the Region
- Introduction
- Pre-Onboarding
- Onboarding
- In-Country
- Preparing to Leave
- Index
- No. of pages: 214
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: November 2, 2023
- Imprint: Elsevier
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323833561
- eBook ISBN: 9780323833578
MM
May McCreaddie
Dr McCreaddie is a nurse and academic from Scotland, UK with over 30 years’ experience. May has held academic posts at the Universities’ of Edinburgh, Lancaster and latterly, Stirling. She is an award-winning nurse (Most Inspiring Lecturer University of Stirling 2014, shortlisted Times Higher Education most innovative lecturer 2014, Excellence in Clinical Practice Award SGNA 2012, Robert Tiffany International Award 2001).
May has obtained and led numerous research grants and has over 50 publications. Her main area of interest is authentic interactions, specifically healthcare interactions and humour in healthcare interactions. Her most recent published work is on healthcare complaints (problematic interactions)
Affiliations and expertise
Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, IrelandGD
Gary E. Day
Affiliations and expertise
Professor-Health Services Management and Academic Campus Manager, ECA College of Health Sciences and Asia-Pacific International College, Brisbane, AustraliaJG
Jane Leanne Griffiths
Affiliations and expertise
Ex-Chief Nursing Information Officer, Informatics, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates