The Islamic worldview perceives illness, pain, and suffering as tests from God and opportunities for spiritual purification. Health beliefs and practices within the Muslim community differ from my own worldview, encompassing specific considerations regarding touch, dietary restrictions, and notions of modesty and privacy.
When providing care for individuals with this worldview, it is crucial to exercise caution when it comes to interactions between individuals of the opposite gender. Minimizing eye contact and physical contact is recommended, and communication often occurs through spouses to limit contact between male clinicians and female patients.
Muslims adhere to dietary restrictions that exclude gelatin and pork-based foods, including medications containing such ingredients. Fasting is also observed by some Muslims, which may entail limitations on the administration of certain medications during that period. During Ramadan, IV fluids, blood donations, and oral medications are typically prohibited.
ATP-440 Cultural Competence in Athletic Training
Additionally, the Islamic religion embraces various traditional remedies, such as cupping, cautery, the use of honey for wound dressing, and the application of olive oil and sativa oil for gastrointestinal and respiratory issues (Attum et al., 2021).
The Christian worldview encompasses principles rooted in ethics and compassionate care for others. When delivering culturally competent treatment to individuals with different worldviews, there are some shared values. For instance, Psalm 28:7 emphasizes the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, stating, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” This highlights the significance of honoring the body’s sanctity.
The NATA Code of Ethics also aligns with the Christian worldview by promoting trust, respect, and care for one another. An example is found in John 13:34-35, where Jesus instructs his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, indicating that love is a defining characteristic of his followers. The NATA code, particularly code 1.1, reflects this principle by emphasizing the provision of quality patient care irrespective of factors such as race, religion, age, sex, ethnicity, disability, health status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. ATP-440 Cultural Competence in Athletic Training
Similar sentiments can be observed in the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, specifically code 1.2, which underscores the importance of protecting patients from harm, advocating for their welfare, and taking appropriate action against healthcare providers or athletic training students engaged in illegal or unethical practices. Delivering culturally competent care is paramount to becoming a successful and respected clinician, with patient well-being always being the primary focus, regardless of personal worldviews.
References
Attum B, Hafiz S, Malik A, et al. Cultural Competence in the Care of Muslim Patients and Their Families. [Updated 2021 Sep 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure
Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499933/
Board of Certification . (2017, October). BOC standards of professional practice -bocatc.org. BOC Standards of Professional Practice. Retrieved January 7, 2022,from:
NATA Code of Ethics. (2016). Retrieved January 7,2022, from:
https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/ethics-complaint-process.pdf
