Patient’s Spiritual Needs Discussion Paper

Part 1.

James suffers from a medical condition that presents the need for surgical intervention that can be challenging. However, he is opposed to the surgery. It appears that his decision is influenced by multiple factors that include the effects of the medical condition on his body, the risk of surgery on his twin brother as well as the stark realization that the ailment limits his life. Not only do this factors influence his decisions, but also the desire to make the autonomous decisions that best fit him. Also included in the patient’s decision-making process is the medical personnel. That is because although the patient’s autonomy remains a major principles that guides decisions concerning treatment, the physician’s autonomy must also be considered. The physician determines if a possible intervention exists and the intervention to use, applying elements of paternalism through the use of professional expertise to influence the decision-making process. Included in the physician’s decision is the impact of care outcomes on medical personnel, and inherent drive to serve the patient in the best way possible and achieve good care outcomes. The implication is that both the patient and physician have autonomies that interact in a dynamic interface. The main objective should always be to give the patient’s preferences, values and goals primary consideration. In addition, regardless of whatever decision the patient makes, the physician will always have the responsibility of supporting that decision throughout the care process (Butts & Karen, 2018). As such, the James should be allowed to continue exercising his autonomy and making care decisions, with the physician trying to influence the decision making process and supporting the decision made.

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Part 2.

Christianity views sickness as a fulfilment of the scriptures when God cast Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and prophesied that they would experience suffering for having denied him and sinned (Genesis 3, NIV). The implication is that sickness is to be expected as a fulfilment of the Bible scriptures, and should not be seen as punishment to any one person. In addition, sickness can be viewed as a trial of faith (Job 2:7, NIV). Still, Christianity allows for healing. This is seen in the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ where he healed various ailments, allowing the blind to see, lame to walk, lepers to be cleansed, and deaf to hear (Luke 7:22, NIV). The healing ministry of Jesus particularly supports medical intervention, calling for compassion (John 9:1-2, NIV) and addressing the existing need (Mark 7:24-30, NIV) when handling sick persons since the ill health is not resultant of any fault of their own.  Patient Spiritual Needs Discussion Paper   As a Christian, Mike should accept that medical intervention is a continuation of the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ in which medical personnel exhibit compassion and address his health care needs. This implies that he should be ready to support them without endangering his life.

Medical intervention is grounded on the notion that life is sacred and every person has dignity that is paramount. In this case, it applies the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Beneficence is concerned with acting as good Samaritans and helping others through the provision of compassionate care (Sang & Dearholt, 2018). Through performing acts of mercy, kindness and charity, the physician comes to the aid of the patient to relieve suffering and pain (Luke 10:29-37, NIV). The principle of nonmaleficence warns against doing any harm. It requires that the physical evaluate whether the patient requires any clinically indicated procedure or treatment, and whether the treatment will unduly burden or benefit the patient. The two principles identify that the physician has an inherent duty to provide medical care to the patient (Sang & Dearholt, 2018). While trusting in God and faithful prayer for healing (Exodus 15:26, James, 5:15, Mark 5:34, NIV), James should also trust that God can heal him through the intervention of medical personnel. In essence, the medical personnel can act as agents of God so that God heals him by directing the physicians on how to provide the appropriate care. In fact, the Bible recognizes the value of medical personnel and physicians as seen in Colossians 4:14 when Luke is described as the beloved physician. Mark 2:17 states that those who are well do not have a need for a physicians, thereby implying that those who are sick have a need for a physician. As a result, James should allow the medical personnel to treat hum while still trusting in God to direct their care and cure him.

Part 3.

A spiritual needs assessment identifies the specific spiritual needs of the patient while guiding the formulation of an appropriate care plan. In fact, it is fundamental to offering effective health care. In this case, the assessment helps in addressing spirituality thereby helping in the creation of a comprehensive treatment plan. After conducting a spiritual needs assessment for the patient and his family, the medical personnel will be better able to incorporate the results of the assessment into patient care. At the least, the assessment will enable the medical personnel to listen compassionately to the patient and his family. Regardless of whether they are devout in their religion and spiritual traditions, their beliefs are important to them. Through listening, medical personnel create the perception that they care for the patient and his family, and recognize spirituality as an important dimension of their lives. It is not uncommon for empathetic listening to be all that they require. Besides that, the assessment helps in documenting their openness to discussing health care topics, stated impact on medical care, background, and spiritual perspective, all information that helps in redressing the subject or spirituality in future interactions or when facing crisis and sources of meaning and comfort are required (Sang & Dearholt, 2018). Overall, the results of the spiritual needs assessment are useful in preventing a situation in which the patient and family members experience substantial psychological duress because medical personnel have unknowingly transgressed against their beliefs.

References

Black, B. (2016). Professional nursing-e-book: concepts & challenges. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.

Butts, J. & Karen (2018). Philosophies and theories for advance nursing practice (3^rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Sang, D. & Dearholt, S. (2018). John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice (3^rd ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International.

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.

1. In 200-250 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.
2. In 400-500 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?
3. In 200-250 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?

Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials. Patient Spiritual Needs Discussion Paper