Review of Muslim Patient Needs and Its Implications on Healthcare Delivery

Abstract

Background: In the rapidly changing environment of healthcare, striving toward health equity and providing patient-centered care is imperative to the patient’s experience. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive understanding of the diverse patient populations seeking these services, their needs, and the multitude of religious, cultural, and structural elements that impact their well-being is required. Muslim patients represent a considerable demographic, both in number and complexity of religious and cultural beliefs and practices. This scoping review examines the intersection of religion and cultural values with healthcare delivery in the context of the Muslim patient experience. Objectives: The objective of this review is to identify key concepts and challenges that impact the Muslim patient experience. Search Methods: The research databases Cochrane Library, OVID Medline, and PubMED were used to conduct a comprehensive systemic review of original, empirical peer-reviewed publications with the following search terms: “Muslim healthcare,” “Muslim patient,” and “Muslim experience.” Selection Criteria: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to narrow down articles to those that addressed Muslim patient needs and their healthcare experience. Results: A total of 21 articles met the criteria of this scoping review. Five central topics were identified during thematic analysis: Ramadan and Fasting, Barriers in the Patient-Physician Relationship, Trauma and Perceived Discrimination, Mental Health Awareness and Stigma, and Awareness of Advanced Care Planning. Conclusion: This scoping review demonstrates that in order to provide patient-centered care addressing the unique needs of Muslim patients, religious and cultural values need to be explored under the frameworks of cultural humility and structural competency.