Case Study on Healing and Autonomy PDF

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Running Head: HEALING AND AUTONOMY CASE STUDY

A Case Study on Healing and Autonomy GCU: PHI-413V-0501 Name August 27, 2017

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HEALING AND AUTONOMY CASE STUDY 2 A Case Study on Healing and Autonomy Introduction The principle of autonomy accepts that individuals are free from control of others, have the capacity to take actions when it comes to select their own life choices and have the right to hold views that are incongruent with healthcare systems. Medicine and religion are allies in their mission of assuaging human suffering. Yet the interface between religious faith and medicine can create life threatening conflicts. Believing in God has greater positive impacts in people’s life rather than just depending or believing in medical science or other human beings. Most of the time in critical situation, spiritual believers go with their spiritual faith than depending in medical science. As per Bible, God did cure the sick people and life given to dead people. In this study, James’ parents (Mike and Joanne) are very religious people who believe in Jesus have to make an important decision about James’ medical condition. They have placed their faith in God first and forced to return to medical treatment due to deteriorating health status. Pressing issue under the Christian Narrative and Vision In this given scenario, Mike’s family is in a dilemma to choose the most critical decision regarding their son’s current health or medical condition. They want to make sure, their son’s condition is treated, but they feel to rely on God’s power for healing. Mike decides to postpone his son’s treatment and placed their faith in God. Due to delaying right treatment, James’s health has deteriorated and forced go for dialysis. In this case, Mike and his wife struggle to realize whether God is testing their faith or it is a punishment of God. The religious struggles are predictive of moral reasoning (Rumun, 2014). Most research studies revealed that patients, who continuously involve in the religious struggle are most likely to hinder the positive health outcomes. Some of the issues are presented in this study are related to the principle of beneficence. The medical personal has the right to explain the parent available treatment choices, benefits and its risks. At the same time, while making them aware of what needs to be done, he understands the James’ parents have the autonomy and the right to choose correct treatment since he is not old enough to be his own person. In Christian Narrative, Biomedical Ethics state, “Autonomy is a principle that requires respect for the decision-making capacities of autonomous persons”. But, their decision to place faith in God alone put James’ health in jeopardy.

HEALING AND AUTONOMY CASE STUDY 3 The Physician’s and Mike’s Decision This author believes, it is important for the physician to consider the meaning, purpose and effects of the choices that are appropriate to improve the life of the patient (Pressley & Spinazzola, 2015). As a medical professional, the doctor should not allow Mike to continue with decisions that may harm the health of his son. In this situation, doctors have to perform their responsibility, that benefits the patient. All treatments and procedures are recommended must be with the intention of providing better outcome for the patients. On the other hand, it is important for the medical professionals to understand the ultimate role of religious practices are for the overall health performance of the patient (Pressley & Spinazzola, 2015). According to Rumun, religion and spiritual believes have a significant role in the recovery level, most of the patients. Therefore, while advising James, the doctor needs to express the service in a way that does not contradict Mike’s belief in the power of healing. So, the doctor before making the final decision, must consider all four principles of health care ethics, which will have the best possible benefits for the patient and the society.

Physicians

should continue discussing with Mike on both sides of the possible solution until he reaches a conclusion that the medical treatment is the best and fast remedy for his son’s current medical condition. Treatment refusal, Patient Autonomy, and Organ Donation Patient autonomy, refusal of treatment and organ transplant, have been some of the most controversial issues while administering the patient treatment. First, given the possibility of limited understanding of Mike’s refusal to allow his son to receive the treatment, how can one understand that he is acting autonomously? Secondly, will the organ transplant affect Samuel’s health in any way? Still he is a child. Is it the right choice? Some of these questions are critical before any proper decision is made regarding the treatment. In this scenario, as a healthcare provider the doctor should act as a moral agent who is responsible for giving the right advice and appropriate solution that will rectify the situation (Moorlock, Bramhall, & Draper, 2016). He should advice Mike to allow the other son to donate the kidney to his twin brother to save his life. The doctor should arrange more meetings with other medical team, that way Mike will be able to clarify his thoughts that he is doing everything right and best for his family. However,

HEALING AND AUTONOMY CASE STUDY 4 James and Samuel’s opinions, values, and goals should be sought to justify their agreement or refusal to donate the kidney for transplant. As a follower of Jesus Christ, this author believes strongly that the right to believe should not extend to the right to risk the life of anybody by rejecting lifesaving medical care. Because, “God helps those who help themselves”. In this study, a kidney transplant is the best medical remedy for James’ continuously deteriorating condition. Though, ethical perspective denotes that individual’s worth is a serious concern. So, the organ should only be transplanted for the maximum benefit of the entire family (Pressley & Spinazzola, 2015). In the given case, it is obviously clear that the transplantation process may be quite costly and may result in a double tragedy in case James die or Samuel may get infected after the organ transplant (Caplan et al. 2015). Here every decision should be rationally being made to avoid any further tragedy to the family. The medical procedure of organ donation should be done in a manner that avoids any wastage of the organ. How Christians need to think about health and Sickness According to Scripture, seeking medical attention during the time of sickness is not condemned (White, 2016). There are several scripture verses indicate the relationship between health, sickness and their relationship with Christianity. Spiritual faiths are compulsory components in healing process. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who needs a doctor, but the sick” (Mathew 9: 12). There are several types of prayer, many of which are rooted in the belief that there is a higher power that has some level of influence over life. Those prayers will yield relaxation response, along with feelings of hope, gratitude and compassion, all of which have a positive effect on overall wellbeing. This belief can provide a sense of comfort and support in difficult times. As christian, while professing his religious faith, Mike should have chosen the right medical treatment for his son to avoid putting his life in further jeopardy. He was reluctant in the beginning to proceed with medical treatment but placed his whole faith in God. Since, James condition is not getting better, he has returned to James’ doctor and seeking for medical treatment. Mike was reasoning his action that, God is testing his faith or punishing him? Conclusion God created human being, is the source of all life. All Christians believe that Christ has the power to heal. Because, he is the grate Healing Shepard can heal any affliction, whether it is

HEALING AND AUTONOMY CASE STUDY 5 physical, mental, emotional or financial. As a follower of Jesus, this author believes that health professionals have the responsibility to assess the patient’s physical and spiritual requirements and recommend the exact choice for their current medical condition. Practicing faith is a fundamental right for everyone and it is very effective at the time of stress and sickness. It is important for Christians to seek physical healing while basing their faith on God’s principles. In this case, Mike should continue his prayers along with proper medical treatment which is the best option for his son’s health and the family in the long run.

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References Approaching the families of potential organ donors: best practice guidance. NHS Blood and Transplant, 2015, http://www.odt.nhs.uk/pdf/family_approach_best_practice_guide.pdf. Camut, S., Baumann, A., & Dubois, D., (2014). Non-therapeutic intensive care for organ donation. A healthcare professional’s opinion survey. Nursing ethics, 23(2), 191-202 Caplan, L., McCartney, J., Reid, P., (2015). Replacement Parts. The Ethics of Procuring and Replacing Organs in Humans. Georgetown University Press. Moorlock, I., Bramhall, S., & Draper, H., (2016). Should We Reject Donated Organs on Moral Grounds or Permit Allocation Using Non-Medical Criteria? A Qualitative Study. Bioethics, 30(4), 282-292. Pressley, J., & Spinazzola, J., (2015). Application of a Complex Trauma Treatment Model in the Christian Context. Journal of Psychology & Theology, 43(1), 8-22. Rumun, J., (2014). Influence of religious beliefs on healthcare practice. White III, S., (2016). Healing your Soul: Christian Self-care. WestBow Press....