Clinical Considerations While Providing Care for Patients During Ramadan: A Framework for Health Care Professionals

Fasting during Ramadan is an important religious obligation for Muslims, yet many health care providers are unaware of what it entails. Consequently, patients with chronic diseases often rely on community advice to manage their conditions while fasting. This has contributed to increased hospitalizations, primary care visits, and emergency department utilization during Ramadan. This workshop was created to address knowledge gaps and support providers in counseling patients on disease management while fasting.

This 1-hour workshop outlined the significance of fasting during Ramadan and common medical conditions affected by fasting, and introduced a framework for tailoring medical advice to fasting patients. Pre- and postworkshop surveys were administered to graduate-level medical professionals to assess changes in participants' knowledge and comfort in addressing Ramadan-specific care.

Fifty-four matched pre- and postworkshop survey responses were collected from participants, including medical students, residents, attending physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. McNemar's chi square test demonstrated significant increases in participants' knowledge of religious practices during Ramadan (P < .001), understanding of how these practices can impact health (P < .05), and comfort in offering adapted medical advice (P < .05).

Many participants were aware that fasting during Ramadan occurs; however, few recognized a need to modify medical recommendations. Following this workshop, participants reported a statistically significant greater preparedness to discuss disease management with fasting patients and offer culturally sensitive guidance. Supporting patients to pursue customs and traditions that are important to them can strengthen trust in the patient-provider relationship and improve care delivery.