The Family Environment Of Muslim Patients And Its Implications For Health Care

Abstract

As a result of migratory movements, many families of foreign origin have settled in the province of Almería (Spain), which now has an estimated 100,000 inhabitants of Muslim tradition. Objetives:1. To determine the importance of the family environment for patients living within the Muslim culture. 2.To consider the implications for nursing practice of the relationship between healthcare personnel and Muslim patients and their families. Method. In this qualitative study, data were compiled by means of open-ended interviews and discussion groups with people from a Muslim background admitted to public hospitals in the province of Almeria. Discourse analysis was applied to the data obtained. Results. Thirty-six patient interviews took place and two discussion groups were conducted. The participants emphasised the value they placed on the family environment as a fundamental aspect of their life experience and development. Being accompanied by relatives in the hospital was considered to be important, contributing to a more satisfactory recovery, and similarities in this respect were observed with cultural values in Andalusia. The participants appreciated it when medical staff involved the family in the patient’s health care, viewing this as an expression of cultural respect. Conclusions. Nursing staff should be aware of the importance granted by Muslim patients to the family environment and should be encouraged to involve the family in patient care, as an ally during the hospital experience.