In Addition To The Topic Study Materials Use The Char 563589

In Addition To The Topic Study Materials Use The Chart You Completed

In Addition To The Topic Study Materials Use The Chart You Completed

In addition to the topic study materials, use the chart you completed and questions you answered in the Topic 3 about "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" as the basis for your responses in this assignment. Answer the following questions about a patient's spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview.

In words, respond to the following: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient's autonomy? Explain your rationale.

In words, respond to the following: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James's care?

In words, respond to the following: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemma presented in the case study involving Mike and James revolves around the conflict between respecting a patient's autonomy and ensuring beneficent care. From a Christian worldview, the physician faces the challenge of balancing respect for James's and Mike's spiritual and personal convictions with the professional responsibility to prevent harm and promote well-being.

Regarding whether the physician should allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to be irrational or harmful, it is essential to consider the principle of autonomy. Autonomy is a core value in biomedical ethics, emphasizing the individual's right to self-determination. However, in the context of a minor like James, who cannot make autonomous decisions, the authority often resides with the parent or guardian. Nonetheless, Christian ethics also emphasize the importance of compassion, stewardship, and the moral obligation to care for others, which may sometimes necessitate overriding certain decisions if they are truly harmful. In this scenario, if Mike’s decisions threaten James's health and well-being, the physician might ethically justify intervening, provided there is clear evidence of harm and an effort to respect the underlying spiritual and moral values.

From a Christian perspective, sickness and health are often viewed as intertwined with spiritual growth, divine testing, or opportunities for God's healing power to manifest. Christianity traditionally recognizes that sickness is part of the fallen world, but believers also trust in God's sovereignty and His capacity to bring good out of suffering. As such, Christians might see medical interventions as a means through which God can work, partnering human effort with divine grace. Trusting God involves faith in God's plan while also exercising wisdom through medical means. Christians like Mike should seek God's guidance in decision-making, prayerfully consider medical advice, and balance their trust in divine healing with appropriate medical intervention.

In contemplating beneficence (doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), Mike, as a Christian, would aim to align his actions with God's principles of love and compassion. This entails seeking the best interest of James while remaining attentive to spiritual dimensions. Trusting God does not preclude medical treatment; rather, it involves viewing health as part of God's provision and recognizing the role of medicine as a tool guided by divine oversight. In practice, Mike should collaborate with healthcare professionals, advocate for interventions consistent with James's best interests, and pray for wisdom and discernment in treatment decisions.

A spiritual needs assessment can significantly assist the physician in understanding Mike's values, beliefs, and the spiritual distress that may influence care decisions. Such an assessment helps identify factors impacting decision-making, including faith-based concerns, fears, and expectations. Recognizing these needs allows the physician to communicate more effectively, provide spiritual support, and tailor interventions that honor the patient's and family's worldview. This approach fosters trust, ensures culturally sensitive care, and encourages shared decision-making grounded in respect for spiritual and moral dimensions, ultimately leading to more holistic and appropriate treatment plans for James and his family.

References

  • Aldridge, M. (2019). Christian Ethics and Healthcare Decision-Making. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(3), 174-180.
  • Burggraaff, E., & de Jonge, W. (2017). Spiritual assessment in clinical practice: Supporting patient-centered care. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 52(4), 319-331.
  • Gula, R. (2018). Health and Hope: Spiritual Dimensions of Healing. Christian Medical Commentary.
  • Kass, N. E., & Faden, R. (2015). Respecting patient autonomy and the ethics of medical interventions. Bioethics, 29(2), 94-101.
  • Nurmi, R., & Pargament, K. I. (2016). The role of faith in health and healing. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 8(4), 370-377.
  • Singh, P., & Michael, S. (2020). Ethical challenges in pediatric care from a Christian perspective. Journal of Pediatric Ethics, 15(1), 21-29.
  • Strawbridge, J. (2018). The theology of suffering and healing. Christianity Today.
  • Thompson, R. (2021). Spiritual care in medicine: Integrating faith and health. Medical Journal of Australia, 214(3), 112-116.
  • Wright, T. (2019). Balancing beneficence and respect for autonomy in Christian bioethics. Journal of Christian Bioethics, 5(2), 45-59.
  • Zion, N. (2018). The integration of spiritual assessment into medical practice. Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 233-239.