Cultural & Ethical Factors that affect a Muslim COPD Patient - Essay Example

“To deliver truly patient-centered care it is important that health professionals respect the religion and culture of all their patients” (Gatrad, R). Muslim’s pray five times a day and any interference that may cause them to miss out on this religious duty shall create an atmosphere of distrust between the patient and hospital staff. This needs to be avoided at all costs by ensuring that the patient is provided with an opportunity to pray even if this entails walking him/her down to a prayer room (if available).

 The intake of pork is prohibited in any form and any medicine (oral or otherwise) that have used this as an ingredient will not be acceptable to a Muslim patient. Doctor’s need to be aware of this and should always prescribe medicine accordingly to avoid refusal of the patient to have his medication. A Muslim patient will also decline any meat (beef/chicken/mutton/sheep) that has not been obtained through Kosher Dietary Practices although fish will be acceptable. Interaction with members of the opposite sex is also strictly prohibited by Islam (except for immediate family) and strict care needs to be taken when appointing doctors and nursing staff to Muslim COPD patients.

This is an integral part of the Muslim faith and no Muslim would want to offend Allah which is the Arabic word for God (Ghulam) by physical interaction with members of the opposite sex. In case of death, an autopsy cannot be performed unless required by law and Muslim COPD patients may be opposed to organ donations (Geri Ann Galant).Any autopsy without the consent of the immediate family members of the deceased patient can aggravate a simple situation into a full-blown issue. Muslims are enjoined by their religion to abstain from eating certain foods in the holy month of Ramadan.