Topic 5 Question Response to Case study 3 FINAL DRAFT
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Dec 17, 2024
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Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case AnalysisGrand Canyon UniversityPHI-413V: Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Health CareSteven LedbetterMay 20241
Decision-Making and Principle of AutonomyAnalysis of how decisions need to be made by the physician and the father according to theprinciple of Autonomy.In the case study, the patient is a minor who is under the care of his parents, Mike, and Joanne. The child is suffering from acute glomerulonephritis and kidney failure due to a previouscomplication. This prompts the family to go see a physician who makes a recommendation of an immediate dialysis. The physician speaks to the family at length and makes the recommendation of temporary dialysis. Both parents agree that they will deny the dialysis treatment and seek faithhealing instead. Due to the patient being a minor, it is up to the parents to make decisions on their behalf. This is stated by (Bogue et al., 2022) as it states that if a patient lacks decision-making capacity or understanding of the situation, a decision maker is needed. In this situation it would be the parents. Patients and decisions makers can refuse medical treatment. This is due to the patient’s rights as well as part of the 4 principles of ethics. The physician can only make recommendations and educate the patient/ caregivers when it comes to treatment. They can advocate for the patient in why a specific type of treatment may lead to a positive outcome as thephysician did in the case study, but the power ultimately lies in the decision makers. The principle of autonomy is a federal law to all patients but also an ethical principle. (Bogue et al., 2022) describe the ethical principle of autonomy through a Christian perspective which derives its ethics through biblical scripture. Scripture such as Genesis 2:16-17,3:1-7 that state that humanity has the ability of free will with the capacity to choose between right and wrong. 2
Decision-Making, Christian Perspective, and the Principle of Beneficence andNonmaleficenceAnalysis of how decisions need to be made by the physician and the father, according to theChristian perspective and the principle of beneficence and nonmaleficence.When it comes to decision making, the physician is unable to make decisions on behalf ofthe patient in the case study. They can only make recommendations for treatment and advocate for the patient to the caregivers on why they should receive the recommended treatment. The father is the only one capable of making decisions for the patient as he is the caregiver of the patient due to them being a minor. Is it up to the father to make the best decisions for his son. Referring to the Spiritual Support of Ethical Principles from (Bogue et al., 2022) in Beneficence, it uses scriptures of Mathew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31: Luke 10:25-28 to come to the conclusions of in all that one does, it must be done in the interest of good to oneself and of others. In Nonmaleficence can be derived heavily from Timothy 12:2-3 which is to live in peace and harmony with everyone. This can be interpreted that in order to live in peace and harmony, one must prevent harm from falling upon others through one’s hand. Basically, don’t hurt other people. The same reasonings can be applied to the physician when it comes to the care of his patient. They are there to benefit the patient through treatment and care. Nonmaleficence in the case of the physician is to not bring harm to the patient through their care. Through the Christian perspective on decisions of the physician, they must weigh the potential risk and benefits of theirmedical interventions. The sanctity of life that is inherited by imago Deiis paramount as physicians can be seen as instruments of God’s healing. 3
Spiritual Needs Assessment and InterventionAnalysis of how a spiritual needs assessment would help the physician assist the father todetermine appropriate interventions for his son, his family, or others involved in the care of hisson. In the case study, there is no mention that the physician made an inquires about the faith of the family. This can be perceived as a short coming on the physician. As stated by (Camara & Rosengarten, 2021) health care professionals have a responsibility to learn on how to provide faith-sensitive care for their patients. In (Green, 2021) a spiritual health assessment is necessary for the overall health care of the patient. While mental and physical health of the patient are important, it is not the only component to the patient’s identity. In (Bogue et al., 2022) they provide questions that can be asked to identify the faith of the patient. They can be as simple as, “Do you have any spiritual or faith preferences.” or “What has helped you cope well in the past?” With this in mind, the physician could of have identified the faith of the family and done some research on it. The case study makes no clear distinction of the faith of the family but mentions that they believe in God. (Camara & Rosengarten, 2021) state that Catholics don’t support the use of extraordinary measure such as dialysis. This may have been a reason why the father didn’t choose the recommendation of temporary dialysis, as they opted for faith healing instead. Further clarification relating to the goals of treatment would have been beneficial to beneficial. (Camara & Rosengarten, 2021) also mentions that a prolonged life without the likelihood of a cure could affect the decision based on a Christian standpoint. To summarize, if the physician made an effort to identify the faith of the family, he could have tailored his approach to the recommendation of treatment through the perspective of a Catholic/Christian. This may have influenced the decision of the father towards the physician’s recommendation. 4
Professional Standards of PracticeAnalysis of how to be accountable for the patient and demonstrate it in an ethical manner thatreflects professional standards of practice and a patient-centered care and participatoryapproach to care. Accountability for the care of the patient involves a patient-centered approach that makestheir well-being paramount. The use of the four ethical principles provides great direction for care accountability as defined by (Bogue et al., 2022). Autonomy must be respected and followed, regardless of one’s opinions. If they are capable of making rational decisions, their wishes must be honored. Beneficence is to provide care that will benefit the patient into achieving a state of well-being. This can be done by advocating for the patient’s needs. Nonmaleficence is to prevent harm from befalling the patient. One can question treatment plans that can potentially harm the patient or not be of any benefit to them. Lastly, Justice is to have patient treated fairly and receiving benefits along with everybody else. Another important principle to follow is communication. By providing effective and concise communication, one can build rapport with the patient. This involves explaining treatment options, having health care professionals explain the risks of treatment as well as the benefits. Once communication has been established, a plan of care that is patient centered can be developed. For a plan of care to goforward, the patient must consent to it. This is where informed consent is absolute as it respects the autonomy of the patient. By having an understanding of their treatment and associated risks that come with it, the patient can make a well-informed decision. To facilitate a participatory approach to care, engagement of the patient when it comes to treatment options, making the 5
patient’s values and preferences known, their inputs can be tailored into their plan of care. This makes the patient a participant in the care process. NoteI was unable to find the “Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis” document anywhere on the GCU Halo page. I looked in the Class Questions and was unable to find any answers there since other students were having the same issue. From my searches, I was unable to find a specific word count as well. I based all the questions of the rubric; I hope this essay meets the requirements of the assignment. Thank you for an insight provided through this class. 6
ReferencesBogue, D. W., Cota Jr., M., Evans, K. A., Hoehner, P. J., Hogan, M., & White, N. H. (2022). Practicing Dignity An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care(M. Cota Jr. & V. J. De La Torre, Eds.; Third Edition). Grand Canyon University. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/B1B4SGSSID7LR/epub/TItlePage.html#page_2Camara, C., & Rosengarten, L. (2021). Faith-sensitive end of life care for children, young peopleand their families. British Journal of Nursing, 30(5), 276–279. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.5.276Green, C. (2021). Assessing Spiritual Health through the Use of Spiritual Health Assessment Tools: Indications for End-of-Life Care. International Journal of Health, Wellness & Society, 11(1), 189–197. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v11i01/189-1977