Case Study: Healing And Autonomy—Mike And Joanne Are The Par ✓ Solved
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Case Study Healing And Autonomy Mike and Joanne Are The Parents
Case Study: Healing and Autonomy. Mike and Joanne are the parents of James and Samuel, identical twins born 8 years ago. James is currently suffering from acute glomerulonephritis, kidney failure. James was originally brought into the hospital for complications associated with a strep throat infection. The spread of the A streptococcus infection led to the subsequent kidney failure. James’s condition was acute enough to warrant immediate treatment.
Usually cases of acute glomerulonephritis caused by strep infection tend to improve on their own or with an antibiotic. However, James also had elevated blood pressure and enough fluid buildup that required temporary dialysis to relieve. The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis. After some time of discussion with Joanne, Mike informs the physician that they are going to forego the dialysis and place their faith in God.
Mike and Joanne had been moved by a sermon their pastor had given a week ago, and also had witnessed a close friend regain mobility when she was prayed over at a healing service after a serious stroke. They thought it more prudent to take James immediately to a faith healing service instead of putting James through multiple rounds of dialysis. Yet, Mike and Joanne agreed to return to the hospital after the faith healing services later in the week, in hopes that James would be healed by then.
Two days later the family returned and was forced to place James on dialysis, as his condition had deteriorated. Mike felt perplexed and tormented by his decision to not treat James earlier. Had he not enough faith? Was God punishing him or James? To make matters worse, James's kidneys had deteriorated such that his dialysis was now not a temporary matter and was in need of a kidney transplant.
Crushed and desperate, Mike and Joanne immediately offered to donate one of their own kidneys to James, but they were not compatible donors. Over the next few weeks, amidst daily rounds of dialysis, some of their close friends and church members also offered to donate a kidney to James. However, none of them were tissue matches.
James’s nephrologist called to schedule a private appointment with Mike and Joanne. James was stable, given the regular dialysis, but would require a kidney transplant within the year. Given the desperate situation, the nephrologist informed Mike and Joanne of a donor that was an ideal tissue match, but as of yet had not been considered—James’s brother Samuel. Mike vacillates and struggles to decide whether he should have his other son Samuel lose a kidney or perhaps wait for God to do a miracle this time around. Perhaps this is where the real testing of his faith will come in?
Mike reasons, “This time around it is a matter of life and death. What could require greater faith than that?”
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The case of Mike and Joanne, the parents of James and Samuel, emphasizes the complex interplay between faith, medicine, and ethical decision-making in pediatric healthcare. Acute glomerulonephritis following a streptococcal infection can pose significant challenges, as seen with James’s acute onset of kidney failure. The context surrounding this case invites discussion on medical autonomy, faith-based decisions, and the implications for family dynamics.
When faced with a critical health crisis, the decision-making process can be influenced by personal beliefs, cultural values, and the perceived efficacy of medical interventions versus spiritual healing. Mike and Joanne's choice to forego immediate dialysis in favor of faith healing reflects a profound belief system deeply rooted in their church community. This decision, however, raises ethical questions about parental authority and child welfare.
From a medical standpoint, acute glomerulonephritis can lead to severe complications, especially if not treated promptly. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of timely interventions in pediatric nephrology (Kaskel, 2022). In James’s case, delayed treatment due to parental choices resulted in the necessity for chronic dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant, highlighting the risks associated with postponing medical care in favor of alternative treatment paths.
The distress that Mike experiences over his decision reflects a common parental concern: the desire to act in the best interest of their child while grappling with the consequences of those decisions. It is a philosophy reinforced by the principles outlined in pediatric ethics, which prioritize the well-being of the child over the desires of the parent. This principle is rooted in the best interest standard, which posits that decisions regarding treatment should be focused on maximizing benefits and minimizing risks for the child (Perrin, 2019).
The family's return to the hospital after attending a faith healing session underscores the shifting nature of their beliefs in light of James's deteriorating condition. The subsequent revelation that Samuel is a potential donor adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The nephrologist's suggestion presents a tangible solution, yet it raises ethical questions regarding the implications of organ donation between siblings. The principle of informed consent becomes essential, as the decision involves weighing Samuel's autonomy against James's urgent medical need (Ross et al., 2020).
In considering whether Samuel should donate a kidney, Mike's internal conflict corresponds with moral theories surrounding duty and consequence. The virtue ethics perspective posits that the character and intent behind the decision matter significantly. In this context, Mike must reconcile the act of potentially sacrificing one child's health for another's urgent need, challenging his faith and beliefs further.
Ethically speaking, the use of a living donor for kidney transplants is generally supported when the donor is adequately informed, consenting, and understanding of the implications (Mason, 2021). In this case, it would be essential for Mike and Joanne to provide Samuel with all pertinent information, ensuring he understands the risks and benefits associated with donation. Holistic family counseling and discussions with healthcare professionals could assist in this process.
Moreover, this case emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in healthcare. Engaging social workers, psychologists, and spiritual advisors in discussions about the family's choices could help navigate the conflicting desires for spiritual healing and the medical necessity of treatment. Establishing support systems for families in crisis can lead to improved coping mechanisms and more thoughtful decision-making processes (Gonzalez et al., 2020).
Ultimately, the narrative surrounding Mike, Joanne, James, and Samuel illustrates the profound challenges faced by families in medical crises. As parents, Mike and Joanne grappled with their faith, care for James, and the ethical implications of their choices. Their journey reflects a broader societal conversation regarding the integration of faith and medical practice, demonstrating the necessity of meeting families at the intersection of their beliefs and healthcare needs.
References
- Gonzalez, M., Rodriguez, J., & Kim, S. (2020). Managing Family Dynamics During Pediatric Illness: The Role of Multidisciplinary Care. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 50, 34-41.
- Kaskel, F. (2022). Pediatric Nephrology: Evidence-Based Approaches to Treatment. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 69(4), 909-924.
- Mason, J. (2021). Ethical Considerations in Living Organ Donation. Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, 16, 100600.
- Perrin, J. (2019). The Best Interests of the Child: A Template for Assessment and Decision Making. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(12), 832-837.
- Ross, L., Monteith, R., & Randall, H. (2020). Organ Donation Between Siblings: Ethical Considerations. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(6), 62-64.
- Smith, T., & Wilson, L. (2021). The Role of Faith in Health Decision-Making: Insights from Families. Journal of Religion and Health, 60(4), 2023-2035.
- Taylor, A., & Brown, R. (2022). Faith and Healing: A Study of Religious Practices in Pediatric Care. Social Science & Medicine, 292, 114530.
- Watson, D. (2021). Chronic Illness and Faith: Navigating Spirituality in Healthcare. Health & Social Care in the Community, 29(2), 512-522.
- Wong, M., & Chai, W. (2020). The Intersection of Faith and Medicine in Pediatric Healthcare: A Family Perspective. BMC Pediatrics, 20, 235.
- Young, R. (2021). Ethical Dilemmas in Pediatric Organ Transplantation: Balancing Care and Autonomy. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 49(3), 441-456.
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