Social Justice issues Regarding An Issue In Health Equity.
Prepare a 3-6 page writing sample that addresses ethical and social justice issues regarding an issue in health equity.
Topic: Does the lack of Islamic cultural competency in CNA training affect the quality of care Muslim patients receive in nursing homes serving low-income patients?
Question: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) often spend the most time with patients within nursing homes. Due to the high-paced, understaffed environment of many nursing homes, CNAs frequently work independently, without support from nurses or doctors. CNA certification, however, is less regulated compared to nursing and medical degrees. The requirements for obtaining a CNA license vary widely, and the specific school from which a CNA graduates typically isn’t a significant factor in the hiring process.
CNA’s spend more time with patients in comparison to doctors or nurses.. It is unfair because staff are unaware of Islamic etiquette that Muslim patients receive culturally appropriate care only when they explicitly request it. Ideally, if a patient identifies as Muslim, there should be a standard of culturally competent care in place. Culturally competent care should exist for every religion, but muslim patients are equally as deserving of it.
Motivation: Illinois is home to over 350,000 Muslims. The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago reports 63 active mosques in Illinois, with 43 located in Cook County. Given the significant Muslim population concentrated in this area, it is essential that healthcare providers, particularly CNAs, have cultural competency training to address this community’s specific needs. It would benefit a great number of people if the cultural competency of CNAs was integrated within the training programs of facilities that have muslim patients.
In addition, Imams often play a crucial role in guiding healthcare decisions for Muslim patients. Building relationships between healthcare providers and religious leaders can improve culturally respectful care and ensure that decisions align with patients’ religious beliefs.
