Ethics Around The Globe Project For Healthcare Students

Yethics Around The Globeproject For Health Care Studentsreview The Sc

Yethics Around The Globe: Project for Health Care students Review the scenario below. Throughout the course, you will be referring to this scenario, coming up with an appropriate solution, and reflecting on your thinking process. Your 82-year-old patient is in kidney failure and requires hemodialysis but this sort of medical intervention goes against her religious beliefs. Without this treatment she will certainly die. With the treatment she can expect to live a relatively normal life for years to come. She has no other diseases or conditions. You will consider possible solutions based on different ethical perspectives. What would someone do from the perspective of Aristotle’s virtue based ethics? Explain why. What would someone do from the Buddhist ethical perspective? Explain why. What would you do in this situation? Why? Your assignment should be 1-2 pages in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical dilemma presented involves an elderly patient in kidney failure who refuses life-saving hemodialysis due to her religious beliefs. This situation underscores the profound tension between respecting religious autonomy and the healthcare provider's duty to preserve life. Different ethical perspectives offer varied approaches to resolving this dilemma. This paper explores these perspectives—Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Buddhist ethics—and reflects on an individual approach to such a complex scenario.

Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics Perspective

Aristotle’s virtue ethics emphasizes moral character and virtues as the foundation for ethical decision-making. Virtues such as compassion, courage, wisdom, and justice are central to this framework. In the context of this scenario, an individual guided by Aristotle’s virtue ethics would consider the patient's autonomy and her right to refuse treatment based on religious conviction. The moral agent would strive to balance compassion with respect for the patient's character and values, understanding her as a rational, autonomous individual.

From an Aristotelian perspective, the virtuous healthcare provider would demonstrate practical wisdom (phronesis) by carefully weighing the benefits and harms of administering treatment against respecting the patient's religious beliefs. While the provider might personally believe that administering dialysis aligns with the virtue of beneficence, the virtue of justice requires honoring the patient's autonomy. The virtuous person would recognize that true moral excellence involves respecting the patient's character and her deliberate choice, especially when her choice is consistent with her moral and spiritual identity. Therefore, the virtuous response might involve supporting the patient's decision, providing comprehensive information about her options, and ensuring her dignity is maintained, even if that decision results in her death.

Buddhist Ethical Perspective

Buddhist ethics emphasizes compassion (karuṇā), non-harming (ahimā), mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all beings. These principles influence ethical decision-making by prioritizing the alleviation of suffering while reducing harm. In this scenario, a Buddhist perspective would focus on compassion for the patient's suffering and respect for her dignity and spiritual beliefs.

From the Buddhist standpoint, forcing or persuading the patient to accept dialysis against her beliefs could be seen as causing harm, creating inner conflict and suffering, and disrupting the principle of ahimā. Instead, ethical action would involve offering compassionate support, respecting her spiritual autonomy, and exploring alternative treatments that align with her beliefs or providing palliative care aimed at alleviating suffering without violating her spiritual principles.

Furthermore, Buddhism emphasizes the importance of intention. A healthcare provider guided by Buddhist ethics would approach this situation with genuine compassion, aiming to honor the patient's spiritual integrity. The focus shifts from strictly prolonging life to alleviating suffering and respecting the interconnectedness of all aspects of her well-being. It recognizes the importance of inner peace and spiritual harmony, advocating for solutions that honor her values without causing harm.

Personal Reflection and Proposed Solution

Personally, in this scenario, I would prioritize respecting the patient's religious beliefs and autonomy. I would ensure she is fully informed about her medical condition, the implications of refusing dialysis, and possible alternative options such as palliative care or hospice. Recognizing her right to make autonomous decisions, I would advocate for her choice, even if it results in her death.

However, I would also explore ways to reconcile her beliefs with her medical needs. For example, involving spiritual counselors or religious leaders might help her find comfort in her spiritual practices and potentially accept certain medical interventions aligned with her beliefs. If her refusal is absolute, I would respect her decision with compassion, ensuring she receives appropriate palliative care to alleviate symptoms and maintain dignity at the end of life.

This approach aligns with both virtue ethics and Buddhist principles, emphasizing compassion, respect, and the moral character to honor her autonomy and spiritual integrity. It embodies a holistic approach to ethical healthcare, acknowledging the complex interplay between medical necessity and personal beliefs.

Conclusion

The scenario illustrates the importance of applying diverse ethical frameworks to complex healthcare dilemmas. Aristotelian virtue ethics highlights character and moral virtue, advocating for respecting autonomy as an expression of moral excellence. Buddhist ethics emphasizes compassion, non-harming, and spiritual harmony, guiding healthcare providers to honor the patient's beliefs while alleviating suffering. Ultimately, respecting patient autonomy with compassion and wisdom remains central to ethical healthcare practice, fostering dignity and integrity at life's end.

References

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