Respecting Autonomy and Patient’s Spiritual Needs
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Respecting the Patient’s Autonomy in Decision Making
As a physician, respecting patients' autonomy and the right to decide for themselves is essential. When a decision seems to be unreasonable and possibly harmful to the patient, ethical problems arise. While recognizing that autonomy is vital, it is also essential to consider the patient's overall wellness and best interests. Given James's worsening condition, Mike's option to forego dialysis to seek healing through faith can get regarded as unreasonable and detrimental. The physician initially respected Mike's autonomy because the physician got well informed that autonomy is a core principle in the ethical practice of medicine. Even though it seems unreasonable, allowing Mike's decision respects his autonomy and recognizes his freedom of decision-making based on his principles and views. Limiting his autonomy would be an offense and an abuse of the patient-physician relationship.
It is essential, however, for the doctor to communicate with Mike in an empathetic and considerate manner. To make the right decision, the physician should ensure that Mike is well-informed by presenting him with all necessary facts concerning James's illness, the possible risks of his actions, and the medical solutions. The doctor should also look into alternatives and clear up any worries or issues Mike may have without making him feel compelled to do something they do not want. The physician can assist Mike in making informed choices by providing information and advice while respecting his autonomy. Given that Mike's decision to defer medical care worsened James's health, the physician's decision to medically treat the child in this situation will not abuse or disregard the patient's autonomy. That is, since it is evident that James requires medical care and a kidney transplant immediately.
How Christians should think about Sickness and Health
Christians view health and illness using their understanding of the unconditional love of God. They believe God is the supreme healer and that He can heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Mike and Joanne are devoted Christians who appear to prioritize their faith and conviction in situations. Mike believed that pursuing divine healing through faith is an indication of his faith in God's power to perform a miracle. However, his decision resulted in the worsening of their son's health, and they began to doubt the strength of their faith in God. The doctor is aware of the risks of discontinuing dialysis and is worried about James's health. It is entirely acceptable and understandable for a Christian to have faith in God's healing and still seek medical care. Christians, however, ought to understand that God also uses physicians to heal people and that it is necessary to follow professional advice. Medical experts should get viewed as agents used by God to help in healing. Christians should regard getting medical assistance as a form of stewardship, caring for the bodies God has given them and utilizing the resources and knowledge He has offered.
How a Christian Should View Medical Intervention
Mike's faith in God is admirable. However, he should recognize the need for medical care for his son and therefore allow the physicians to try their best with regard to James's dialysis. Christians should view medical intervention as a way of facilitating God's healing. It does not indicate a lack of faith but instead a responsible and appropriate way of taking care of one's well-being and that of others. Christians should seek medical help as an acknowledgment that God uses different means, including science and medicine, to cure people.
What Mike should do
As a Christian, Mike should believe that all life is holy and precious in God's eyes. It entails realizing that life is a blessing from God and must be preserved and protected. Honoring the sanctity of life in connection to James, for Mike as a Christian, includes prioritizing his son's health and doing anything in his power to make sure that James gets proper medical attention and treatment. It entails accepting responsibility for the life entrusted to him and finding the best available solutions for James' recovery. As a result, he must consider the physician's advice and approve his son's medical treatment.
Honoring the Principles of Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Respecting the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence is essential in James' care. The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence all highlight the need to decide in the patient's best interests, and they uphold various moral standards to safeguard and prevent harm, as well as eliminate factors that may cause harm (Varkey, 2021). To honor the principle of beneficence, Mike should thoroughly evaluate what will genuinely help James and safeguard his life. He should consider the kidney transplant because of its significant benefit on James's quality of life. If it is successful, the transplant could help James regain the normal functioning of the kidneys, enabling him to continue his life without needing regular dialysis and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Mike should understand that accepting the transplant for his son is not intended to harm or disregard his faith but rather to help him.
How a Spiritual Needs Assessment Can Help
A spiritual needs assessment can help the physician comprehend Mike’s viewpoint, beliefs, and ideals regarding James' care. According to Evans (2020), an individual's spirituality and beliefs determine their understanding of sickness and medical decisions. Planning of care, choice of therapy, and awareness of sickness and treatment or medication compliance are all crucial decisions influenced by one's spirituality. Understanding the individual's opinion of the illness could assist physicians in developing suitable treatment strategies. By examining Mike's spiritual needs, the physician can have a better understanding of the cultural and religious principles of the family. This knowledge can assist the physician in providing more empathetic and individualized care. It will also help the doctor to respond to Mike's worries, fears, and concerns in a way that fits his Christian worldview.
A spiritual needs evaluation can also assist Mike and his family in finding other sources of guidance. A priest or religious counselor, for example, may be in a better position to educate the family on the possible risks as well as the importance of actively engaging in James' treatment. By understanding Mike and his family's religious needs, the physician will be able to embrace collaborative decision-making. This cooperative strategy will ensure that James's physical, spiritual, and psychological needs get included in his treatment plan.
References
Evans, K. A. (2020). Intervention, Ethical Decision-Making, and Spiritual Care. An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care. Practicing Dignity. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/5
Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509119