Recommendations for Culturally Competent Orthopaedic Care of Muslim Patients.

Abstract

The growing cultural diversity in the patient populations in the United States highlights the necessity for improved cultural competence in healthcare, specifically for the estimated 3.45 million Muslims living in the country. Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world, and the Muslim population in the United States is predicted to grow markedly. Such a demographic trend provides a compelling rationale to address this community's cultural and orthopaedic treatment peculiarities. Based on these estimates, US orthopaedic surgeons will highly likely care for Muslim patients during their careers. Islamic traditions can influence various aspects of daily life for Muslim patients, including health-related practices, with the degree of adherence varying widely among individuals. For a healthcare professional, it is vital to apprehend fundamental Islamic beliefs because this will help attend to patients' needs individually and respectfully and avoid possible harm in some cases. This article seeks to spread awareness among orthopaedic providers regarding fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices that may affect patient care, providing practical recommendations for accommodating Muslim patients across various healthcare settings.