Patient's Spiritual Needs - Essay Sample

Introduction

The doctor has an obligation to provide medical care to James. However, he is also obligated to respect the wishes of James' parents. James' health is deteriorating such that delays in treatment increase the risk of fatality. A poor choice by James' father Mike had already harmed James, and Mike was proceeding with another poor judgment. The dilemma facing the doctor on whether to provide treatment to James or oblige to the parent's wishes are determined by a set of moral principles. Some of the values of medical ethics, autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence, are covered in this case. Physicians have to uphold patient autonomy above all other principles of medical ethics. The doctor has to respect the wishes of James' father. Therefore, the right decision is not to disrespect patient autonomy and to allow Mike to make the choice for James.

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Medical ethics have a set of principles that physician refer to when they are faced with a decision to make. The four principles, autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice, at times work well together, but there are contradictions and an order of precedence. The classic case of the refusal of blood transfusion by a Jehovah witness that could save his life is an epitome of the order of the principles of medical ethics. A doctor cannot force a patient to accept treatment (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). There are states that place beneficence over patient autonomy, but the general rule is that patients have the right to choose.

The doctor has to continue to obey Mike's decision not to accept treatment. Mike was initially against dialysis, which he later agreed to when James' condition deteriorated. He is once again taking the less prudent choice of not going for the kidney transplant in favor of Christian faith. The choices are within his rights that the doctor should not infringe. The doctor's obligation is to accept the choice after making sure that they are informed patients are of sound mind.

The Bible guides Christians on how they should behave and make decisions. A Christian's view on sickness and health are epitome in some of the teachings by Jesus Christ. Jesus endured suffering before he died and resurrected. His story is one that shows the benefits of suffering, which is to get closer to God. Jesus' willingness to endure suffering for the Lord is an indication of the determination Christians should have as they faithfully wait for God's help. Therefore, Christians believe in the transformative effects of pain and suffering. On another hand, Jesus actively led a healing ministry where he cured the deaf, blind, and sick. He also encouraged his disciples to spread the same empathy and care for others (Ryken, 2013). In this case, the Christian worldview appreciates the value of treatment, especially through the medical arts. Therefore, Christians believe in the value of endurance and perseverance, but they should be steadfast to alleviate pain and suffering.

A Christian should embrace medical intervention for themselves and also for others. The healing ministry founded by Jesus Christ demonstrates the value of treatment and optimal health. Some of the people that received Jesus' healing stated the failure of medical attention to their ailments. He then took it upon Himself to help them achieve the good health they desired. Christians are encouraged through these teachings that it is not wrong to seek medical help. The ultimate goal is good health, and thus it is acceptable to accept medical intervention. Notwithstanding, the endurance of pain and suffering with faith that God will intervene is a key aspect of Christianity (Ryken, 2013). It is demonstrated by Jesus' suffering when he had the option to end his torment. He is even teased by one of the tormentors that ask Him to save Himself as he saved and healed other people, and He did not. Despite the sacrifice, His message was that of love, and He did heal everyone that asked His help. What can be taken from that is that Christians should value their health. It was only after the people gained optimal health that they then transformed to serve God. Mike as a Christian should believe in the value of alleviating suffering and gaining good health. It would not be the wishes of God to have James suffer especially when there is help available. In truth, no one that went before Christ said that they wanted help only from Him and not a medical physician. The case always was medical intervention failed, and thus Jesus had to step in to provide the desired outcome (Ryken, 2013). Mike should first accept medical help before seeking his faith. He should see that indeed the dialysis was imperative as the kidney transplant.

Mike should reason that God wants to alleviate his son's suffering. He should reason that there are treatment options that do not contradict his religion. Christianity encourages beneficence where it dictates that people should treat one another with care and love (Ryken, 2013). People should be quick to help those in need. Additionally, people should always make the decision for something that brings the greater good. Mike should then see that his test of faith is not what God desires compared to helping his son get medical attention, and approve the kidney transplant.

The physician can use a spiritual needs assessment to help Mike determine the appropriate intervention for James. Spiritual assessment is essential in medical practice as it helps patients cope with suffering and loss (Saguil &Phelps, 2012). Through their spiritual beliefs, patients learn to understand and cope with problems such as diseases. The spiritual dimension of patients' lives is an important part of care in a hospital setting. In many circumstances, doctors are encouraged to attend to people with a religion that they can relate. Issues regarding medical care are approached differently by a Christian and a Muslim for example (Saguil & Phelps, 2012). Medical assistance should appreciate a patient's social, spiritual, and emotional needs. The physician can conduct a spiritual assessment on Mike and then help make the decision regarding James' health. Mind and body both have to be treated equally in every hospital setting. The doctor can include a physician that is conversant with Christianity if he is not. He can then discuss the teachings of the Bible, perhaps engage in prayer, then choose to help save the life of his son James.

References

Beauchamp T, Childress J. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 7th Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

Ryken, P. G. (2013). Christian Worldview: A, Student's Guide. Crossway.

Saguil, A. & Phelps, K. (2012). The Spiritual Assessment. American Family Physician,