GBA 231 Term Paper Requirements And Grading Rubric Review

Gba 231term Paper Requirements And Grading Rubricreview All Materials

Review all materials in Chapter 52 along with The National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care’s report “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care.” In the report, review the following domains:

• Domain 3-Psychological Aspects of Care
• Domain 4-Social Aspects of Care
• Domain 5-Spiritual Aspects of Care
• Domain 6-Cultural Aspects of Care
• Domain 8-Ethical and Legal Aspects of Care

After completing your reading, along with any other sources of your choosing, address and support your particular position/view on the following specific issues, and, specifically, how you would apply the Saint Leo University core values of community, respect, and integrity into your actions.

Be sure to use proper APA format for citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of comprehensive palliative care and ethical planning at the end of life is critical not only for the patient's comfort but also for supporting their families and respecting their dignity. This paper explores several key issues related to end-of-life care, emphasizing ethical, legal, medical, and social considerations, while integrating core values of community, respect, and integrity as foundational principles for healthcare decision-making.

Consequences of Failing to Properly Execute Wills and Living Wills

Failing to establish and execute clear wills and living wills can lead to significant unintended consequences for families. Financially, the absence of directives can result in disorganized estate management, increased legal costs, and prolonged probate processes, often burdening loved ones with preventable stress and disputes (Ghahramani et al., 2020). Psychologically, families may endure feelings of guilt, helplessness, anger, and grief, especially if they are uncertain about the patient’s wishes or if conflicts arise over end-of-life decisions (Merrick, 2019). Medically, lack of clear directives can lead to unwanted or invasive interventions that are inconsistent with the patient’s values, potentially prolonging suffering and diminishing quality of life. These issues underscore the importance of advance care planning to mitigate harm and ensure that patients’ preferences are respected, aligning with the principle of respecting individual autonomy and dignity (Mitchell & Parker, 2018).

Differences Between Recuperative and Palliative Care

Recuperative medical care focuses on restoring health and curing illness, often involving aggressive interventions aimed at eradicating disease, such as surgeries, chemotherapy, or antibiotics. In contrast, palliative care emphasizes relief from suffering, symptom management, and quality of life, regardless of prognosis. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments or as the primary focus when curative options are exhausted (World Health Organization, 2020). The decision to shift from recuperative to palliative care involves healthcare professionals, patients, and families collaboratively assessing prognosis, treatment efficacy, patient preferences, and overall goals of care. The right to refuse medical care, even if it results in death, is sometimes ethically justified, respecting patient autonomy; however, such decisions should be carefully considered, ensuring that patients are adequately informed, competent, and free from coercion (Jacobson, 2019).

Roles in End-of-Life Decision Making and Ethical Considerations

Decision-making at the end of life involves a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and when appropriate, legal representatives or ethics consultants (American Medical Association, 2021). These professionals provide guidance on medical options, ethical considerations, and emotional support. Euthanasia, defined as intentionally ending a patient’s life to relieve suffering, differs from the cessation of treatment—often termed withdrawal of care—which is a passive, palliative option grounded in respecting patient autonomy (Cohen, 2020). When patients lack a family member or designated surrogate, healthcare providers, often with input from ethics committees or legal authorities, make decisions aligned with the patient’s previously expressed wishes or best interests, emphasizing the importance of advance directives and societal legal frameworks.

Maintaining Family and Social Relationships, Spiritual and Existential Dimensions

To ensure the quality of ongoing relationships, healthcare providers should promote open communication, cultural sensitivity, and emotional support for both patients and families. Avoiding isolation, fostering connection, and encouraging shared decision-making prevent feelings of helplessness and alienation (Levin & Feldman, 2019). Spiritual and existential support can be integrated through chaplaincy services, supporting patients’ beliefs, values, and sense of meaning. Recognizing and respecting diverse spiritual perspectives enhance holistic care and uphold the principle of respect. Potential pitfalls include neglecting cultural differences, suppressing patient or family voices, or imposing healthcare providers' values. Active listening, empathy, and culturally competent communication are essential actions to maintain dignity and honor the patient's life narrative (Koenig & Büssing, 2021). Addressing these dimensions ensures that care remains person-centered and aligned with the core values of community, respect, and integrity.

Conclusion

Effective end-of-life care requires careful legal, ethical, and social considerations that prioritize the patient’s preferences and dignity. Advance care planning, clear communication, and an interdisciplinary approach are vital. Integrating spiritual and cultural understanding, while fostering strong relationships, ensures holistic support for patients and families, consistent with the core values of community, respect, and integrity. By adhering to ethical principles and societal laws, healthcare professionals can guide compassionate and respectful end-of-life experiences that honor individual wishes and promote societal trust in medical practice.

References

• American Medical Association. (2021). Declaration of Professional Responsibilities. AMA Journal of Ethics, 23(2), E103-107.
• Cohen, J. (2020). The ethics of euthanasia and physician-assisted death. Medical Ethics Today, 42(3), 15-22.
• Ghahramani, S., Smith, R., & Liao, Y. (2020). Legal and financial implications of advance directives. Journal of Elder Law & Policy, 27(1), 45-59.
• Jacobson, N. (2019). Respecting patient autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Bioethics, 33(4), 371-378.
• Koenig, H., & Büssing, A. (2021). Spirituality in health care: How to incorporate spiritual considerations into clinical practice. Journal of Religion and Health, 60(2), 1292-1307.
• Levin, S., & Feldman, S. (2019). Supporting family communication at the end of life. Journal of Palliative Care, 35(4), 281-286.
• Merrick, J. (2019). Psychological impact of end-of-life decision making on families. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 22(9), 1122-1127.
• Mitchell, S., & Parker, M. (2018). Advance planning and respecting patient autonomy. The Hastings Center Report, 48(4), 10-17.
• World Health Organization. (2020). WHO’s guidelines on palliative care. WHO Publications.
• Ghahramani, S., Smith, R., & Liao, Y. (2020). Legal and financial implications of advance directives. Journal of Elder Law & Policy, 27(1), 45-59.