PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
Grand Canyon University PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying – Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Grand Canyon University PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Grand Canyon University PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
The introduction for the Grand Canyon University PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
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How to Write the Body for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
After the introduction, move into the main part of the PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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Sample Answer for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
Abstract
Based on the Christian narrative for the PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying assignment, George should believe that all humanity disobeyed God when a man allowed the devil to entice him, leading to the original sin. Humanity became enslaved to evil, and suffering and death are the ultimate results of the original sin and the world’s subsequent fallenness. However, the Christian worldview seeks a motivational approach to ethics and Godly thinking that gives man hope and confidence for an eternal future where there will be no suffering. The Christian worldview is based on an overall structure that shapes religion, social and natural science, and humanities and art that apply to life. In this case, the study on George shows the need for Christian to link all their suffering and pain to past sins but hope that through redemption and resurrection of Christ, they will get eternal life. Those with terminal conditions like George need to hope in God and not take away their lives due to suffering.
End of Life Decisions
Health care services providers require cultural competence to help them navigate the spiritual, religious, cultural, and social needs of patients and their families. Death and dying are some of the cultural and social issues that health care providers, especially nurses, must deal with in their clinical practice. The nature of death entails deep religious and philosophical questions. Euthanasia is a controversial matter in bioethics. Christians and different cultures view death, and issues like euthanasia differently (Saybey, 2016). While the increased rate of interfaith and intercultural marriage demonstrates that individuals have learned to accommodate some cultural beliefs, death and dying remain delicate matters that require careful balancing of health care ethics and biomedical decisions and need to comply with cultural needs (Freitas & Zhang, 2019). Given these issues, the following paper analyzes George’s case study, a patient diagnosed with the degenerative amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that leads to loss of the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe before one dies. The paper analyzes George’s imminent death and the ethical perspective of euthanasia based on the Christian worldview.
Also Read:
PHI 413 Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis
PHI 413V Applying the Four Principles: Case Study
PHI-413V Healing and Autonomy Case Study
PHI-413V Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory
George’s Interpretation of his Suffering in Christian Narrative with Emphasis on Fallenness of the World
When people decide to get a medical intervention to health care problems they have, they may lose their beliefs based on the issues’ nature. Patients may not conform blindly to their diagnoses and treatment interventions selected by the health care providers. Some may decline the kinds of treatment interventions recommended because their faith may not advocate for such methods. In this case study, George has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which a degenerative condition that is slowly but surely killing him. Unfortunately, George understands the situation and the things that will happen to him before his eventual demise by succumbing to this condition. George decides to seek voluntary euthanasia, which is against the Christian worldview.
As a Christian, George needs to interpret his suffering based on man’s fallenness based on the Christian narrative. The fall of man happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. Before that happened, man lived without suffering, but after eating the forbidden fruit, the world’s fallenness began, and God separated Himself from the sinful man. The world’s fallenness was the starting point of human suffering. God cursed the earth and snake and pronounced suffering on man forever. Therefore, the world’s fallenness was the beginning of all nightmares, including incurable and chronic conditions like the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that George is suffering from in this case study.
George should interpret his suffering as the culmination of the original sin where man must suffer from different things, including sicknesses and death. Human beings keep sinning and felling short of God’s will. George may justify his suffering to the sinful nature of human beings. Human beings do not like being subjected to the curse as God pronounced in the Garden of Eden. Human beings have corrupt everything God has given to them and continue to suffer His judgment and pain associated with it. Imperatively, George should console himself that every person has sinned against God and therefore, suffering, including having incurable diseases, is part of human life and experience.
George’s Interpretation of His Suffering with Emphasis on Hope of Resurrection
Christians believe that God creates everything that exists in the world. Further, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem men from their sins on condition that they repent. Imperatively, a Christian would view whatever is happening to George as God’s will. Suffering, such as George’s, is intended to bring humanity close to God and make human beings aware that Christ suffered for their sake and redemption. Christian teaching that Jesus died alters the view and experience of death (De Villiers, 2016). Christians acknowledge that death is a tragedy and evil, but Jesus overcame death on the cross by resurrecting on the third day. Therefore, Christians advance that death is a defeated enemy, and through Christ, human beings have the hope of defeating it and rising again on the second coming of Jesus. According to the Christian narrative, God continually redeems the broken and will save human beings from death. As such, Christians and human beings should be close to God and live according to His will.
Perceiving suffering as God’s will help Christians remain steadfast in their beliefs, faith, and trust in God (Saybey, 2016). The implication is that they become more assertive in their faith. When Christians believe that suffering may be a result of past sins, they have an opportunity to go before God and repent their sins and mend their relationship. The implication is that God is an orderly being as He allows suffering to make human beings turn back to Him from their sinful ways and experience His abundant love.
While some people may consider suffering as punishment, George needs to look at it from a repentance perspective and know that he can repent his sins, seek forgiveness, and understand God’s will and plan. Suffering because of the disease may not be a punishment but an opportunity for George to hope for resurrection after death (De Villiers, 2016). God has a great love for humanity, and these reasons should help George increase his belief in God that his sins will be forgiven, and his suffering will end after death. George has the hope that he will rise again on the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Christian Worldview on Value of His Life as a Person
According to the Christian worldview, life is a precious gift from God, and no one, irrespective of their health condition, should devalue their life (Freitas & Zhang, 2019). George should view his life as precious and gift from God even amid the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The implication is that George and even those close to him should not think of taking life away. According to the Christian worldview, even with the severe disease, George should endure the pain and experiences linked to the condition. A painful encounter like the one he has should not make an individual decide to end their life (De Villiers, 2016). The Christian narrative advances that human beings should hold on to their faith even during painful moments, and suffering should be taken positive despite its destabilizing nature (Boaheng, 2020).
George needs to understand that he is still a valuable person even as he battles a disabling and devastating condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Life is a gift from God, and due to the entry of sin into the world, suffering is a component of each person’s life. Therefore, George needs to know that life is still valuable to God, and in Him who has a reason to allow George to experience and endure the disease. George should try to figure out what God is teaching him through his diagnosis and utilize his present condition and life to give God glory. George needs to persevere in his painful suffering and respect the gift of life and value as a person. He must uphold the Christian value of life as God’s gift that is invaluable and cannot be taken away.
Values and Considerations from a Christian Worldview on Euthanasia
The question about euthanasia is whether the practice is right or wrong. What is clear is that George has ALS, and no chances exist for him to return to his everyday life. His life may end anytime between now and anywhere in the next ten years. While this is the reality and he opts for euthanasia, the Christian worldview cannot let George go for his decision. Christians believe that human life bears the image of God, and no person, irrespective of their amount of suffering and humiliation from a condition or disease, have the right to terminate their life (Boaheng, 2020). The intrinsic value of life, autonomy, and community relatedness should be considered positively and allow human beings to lead and sustain life. Christians follow God’s ten commandments, and the Sixth Commandment is explicit that one should not kill. Therefore, committing suicide or assisting an individual to commit suicide would be going against God’s commandment.
George should not be afraid of death since Jesus Christ died on the cross and underwent severe suffering and humiliation. Jesus asked if it is God’s will to take away the cup of suffering. However, God did not because it was His plan. Therefore, George needs to understand that God allows people to suffer like Job, who lost everything, including his health, except his soul that God instructed the devil not to touch. George may suffer physical and emotional pain, but he needs to know that his soul is protected from suffering by God, just like he protected Job and Jesus Christ. Suffering allows man to develop a close and intimate relationship with God, and in this case, God wants George to get closer to Him.
According to Meilaender (2013), anticipations concerning life and death significantly determine how individuals accept the possibility of death. Suppose Christians perceive that everything, particularly suffering and death, is according to God’s will and the final hope of life through Jesus’s death and resurrection. In that case, they can be assured of God’s protection and love (Choundry et al., 2018). As such, George should consider his life and sickness as based on God’s working and will. Moreover, God has a purpose and reason for our lives, irrespective of the dilapidating conditions that one may encounter or experience, right from disease to death.
Morally Justified Option for George from the Christian Worldview
George needs to understand that Christianity does not support euthanasia and even certain cultures and religions like Buddhism and Islam. The morally justified choices or options for George from a Christian perspective are broad and encouraging. Firstly, Christianity supports the idea of offering George natural care that would allow him to lead a quality life in his last days. Christianity endorses the use of conventional medical and health care interventions and drugs (De Villiers, 2016). For instance, George can seek palliative or hospice care to allow him to manage the pain and any devastating effects of the condition that may impair his abilities from the early beginning. The use of medical intervention would help George to concentrate on his life and carry out certain activities. The moral option is to allow medications to help him manage his condition’s pain and suffering.
George should continue living and never contemplates euthanasia since Christianity does not support it. Christianity values human life, and euthanasia interferes with God’s process and purpose of living and human destiny (Boaheng, 2020). Suffering is part and parcel of ordinary Christian living, and George should accept the pain that he is enduring and will continue to face due to his condition. Christ took his suffering and pain during his crucifixion. Therefore, terminally ill individuals should accept their requirements and make moral decisions that are sound and not influenced by other worldviews.
My Decision if in George’s Condition
George’s diagnosis is threatening and complex to understand, especially its degenerative nature. However, it is emotional to watch a person wreath in pain due to an incurable medical condition with no known remedies. In this case, one can lose hope and seek quick solutions. I believe that it would be a difficult decision for anyone to make if in George’s situation. The implication is that deciding life and death is emotionally draining and requires a robust attitude. Based on the disease’s degenerative nature, I would opt for palliative care or hospice with the hope that God always intervenes and corrects situations. Miracles are bound, and it is not acceptable to condemn oneself because of a medical condition. Therefore, as a Christian, I would not opt for euthanasia or assisted suicide but go for medical interventions and hope that God will intervene.
Conclusion
The Christian worldview considers life as a precious gift from God, and He alone has the power to take it away. Suffering and pain are part of God’s plan to bring human beings close to Him. Human beings should accept suffering and hurt as part of God’s plan. George needs to get his condition and seek morally justified solutions or medical interventions instead of euthanasia. George needs to know that diseases and conditions are not permanent but can be cured through miracles and placing one’s hope in God. Besides, there is life after death through the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, nurses and other healthcare providers need to understand different worldviews to resolve any ethical and cultural dilemmas they may face in providing care to patients.
PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying References
Boaheng, I. (2020). The Doctrine of Imago Dei and the challenge of euthanasia. E-Journal of
Religious and Theological Studies (ERATS), 6(3): 158-168.
Choundry, M., Latif, A. & Warburton, K. G. (2018). An overview of the spiritual importance of
end-of-life care among the five major faiths of the United Kingdom. Clinical Medicine, 18(1): 23-31.
De Villiers, E. D. (2016). May Christians request medically assisted suicide and euthanasia?
HTS Theological Studies, 72 (4).
Freitas, E. & Zhang, G. (2019). Exploration of Patients’ Spiritual/Religious Beliefs and
Resuscitation Decisions. Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 78(7): 216-222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31475249/
Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, 3rd Edition. Michigan: Eerdmans.
Saybey, B. (2016). Definitions of death: brain death and what matters in a person. Journal of
Law & Bioscience, 3(3), 743–752.
Sample Answer 2 for PHI-413V Case Study on Death and Dying
Death and Dying: Case Analysis
After reading the “Case Study: End-of-Life Decisions” document (or one provided by your instructor) and topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations from the case and other topic Resources:
- Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how might the individual(s) interpret their suffering in light of the Christian view of the fallen world and the hope of resurrection?
| The Christian view offers a foundation for basing actions and thoughts; hence, individuals can use it as a guideline in analyzing various cases. The patient in the provided case study, George, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a terminal illness. Therefore, the patient can interpret the resultant suffering through various Christian foundation teachings such as those of hope of resurrection and the fallen world. According to Christian theology, sin and imperfection came to the world after the first human beings, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God (Peterson, 2020). The fallen human state and imperfection are seen through aspects such as suffering and illnesses such as ALS, which George has been diagnosed with. As such, its degenerative and debilitating nature is a perfection of the sinful and imperfect world. Based on the Christian perspective, George can used the theological understanding of suffering as a result of living in the sinful world, as such, he may find solace in the shared human experience of deterioration, suffering and pain, and that his experience is not just unique to him but forms a wider part of human condition which comes with sin and suffering. The implication is that such a coping strategy can enhance a sense of solidarity with Jesus, who also underwent untold suffering while on earth. The hope of resurrection also plays an important role on the Christian’s perspective regarding suffering. The teachings of resurrection entail a life after death and the promise of eternal life, which comes after resurrection (Nickelsburg, 2023). Therefore, George, who is facing a terminal illness, can find comfort that the current illness is but temporary since eternal life awaits him upon resurrection. In addition, while thinking about challenges that come with ALS, the hope of resurrection can impact how the patient views the current symptoms and potential suffering in the future before eventually dying. He expects to lose independence, speech, and mobility. However, the hope of resurrecting one day would give the patient a perspective that goes beyond the limitations that come with life here on earth and focuses on the promise of having a glorified existence upon resurrection. |
- Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 300-400 words, as the individual(s) must contemplate life with their dilemma, how would the Christian worldview inform their view about the value of life as a person?
| George is already faced with the fear of the degenerative nature of ALS, hence inquiring about the possibility of voluntary euthanasia. However, this is a dilemma that can be discussed in the light of the Christian worldview. The Christian worldview posits that each person is created in the image and likeness of God, which imbues human life with inherent worth and dignity. As such, individuals get to understand that life is sacred, even in the face of obstacles one can face, terminal illness like George’s included. Even though he could soon face the devastating symptoms, the Christian perspective would encourage him to embrace values such as endurance. Even though limitations may be imposed by illnesses, such limitations are temporary, hence transcended by the eternal nature of human existence (Bunyan, 2023). Therefore, the value of life goes beyond what an individual could be facing while living on earth, such as tribulations, illnesses, and other sufferings. Individuals should also understand that even with trials and suffering, their life still has intrinsic worth in the eyes of God, which underpins the need to focus on the spiritual aspects as opposed to the physical attributes. Besides, the Christian worldview also admonished individuals to view themselves as beloved of God. The Christian teachings also underscore the importance of compassion, love, and giving care to each other. As such, individuals in the same shoes as George may get comfort and support from church members while appreciating that their lives have value to them and others. Therefore, such individuals will view the value of their life with positivity. The communal understanding of the human experience also propagates a sense of mutual responsibility and interconnectedness (Stenmark, 2022). The implication is that such individuals will treat the value of their lives as of importance to themselves, their family, the community, and the community of believers or members of their faith. |
- Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how does the concept of suffering in a Christian worldview inform their deliberations about the choices they will make?
| The concept of suffering has for years been part of the Christian worldview, and as part of the teachings, suffering is deeply ingrained in the narrative of faith, which may significantly impact how people like George may think about the choices they need to make when faced with various aspects such as terminal illnesses. As earlier highlighted, Christian theology teaches that suffering has existed and continues to exist due to the fallen world, which is characterized by imperfection and sin. Therefore, such a perspective informs how individuals deliberate on issues when faced with difficult life choices and as they face prospects of pain. George has to understand his suffering by considering the ALS effects and make choices guided by the Christian worldview perspectives. Indeed, the teachings about Jesus, such as his suffering and death on the cross, can be used as good points to encourage endurance when faced with pain (Wu, 2023). As such, it is important to endure as Christ did since he is an example to the Christians. This perspective may also inform the deliberations and make a suffering individual such as George view the suffering from different perspectives, especially as a platform for spiritual growth and solidarity with Christ, not just a burden. The Christian worldview also indicates that free will is important, as shown in the case where God instructed Adam and Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit but left them to obey or disobey based on their free will. George is in the process of making choices regarding their potential health, and the concept of suffering in the Christian worldview respects people’s autonomy regarding their life decisions. However, it is important to note that various ethical aspects regarding end-of-life choices are complex within the context of Christianity (Sulmasy, 2021). Indeed, there are views such as the need to preserve life as an important duty while others may consider it a difficult concept, especially in the face of profound suffering. |
- Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 150-200 words, how would you be able to come alongside and demonstrate empathy for the individual(s) as you support and care for them? Reflect on your actions and their consequences.
| Demonstrating empathy for individuals who face suffering is important as it gives them hope to continue living and endure suffering. If I were to come alongside individuals like George and demonstrate empathy, I would perform various actions to achieve such goals. It is important to keenly listen to the individual’s desires, fears, and concerns without judging them, irrespective of their condition. Such an action helps in building an enabling environment where the patient can freely and openly express their thoughts and emotions. I would then offer prayer while recognizing the person’s beliefs. As part of the action, I would also try to understand how deep the individual’s suffering is, with the aim of validating their emotions. In addition, I would try my best to bring hope to the patient using examples drawn from Christian teachings, such as the story of Job, who suffered at the hands of the devil, but God restored him later (Atkinson, 2022). Further actions of empathy would also entail connecting the person with a community of believers and spiritual counselors who can offer further help. |
- Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 150-200 words, how can you demonstrate respect for the perspectives of the individual(s) that may be different from your personal and professional values? Consider your conscious and unconscious biases in relationship to human rights in health care practice. Reflect on your actions and their consequences.
| It is important to demonstrate respect for the perspectives of individuals that may be different from my personal and professional values. It is also important to acknowledge and appropriately address unconscious and conscious biases. This situation would require that I approach the conversation with cultural humility. Another way of showing respect is engaging in open dialogue to enable me to understand other individuals’ preferences and worldviews, which can enable me to actively listen to them without judging them. It is also important to reflect on my actions. As such, I would do an assessment and face any biases which may impact the care that I give. Creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment would help formulate a situation where the patient feels respected which also promotes human rights when offering care. These actions would eventually lead to various aspects, such as a more patient-centered approach, better patient-provider communication, and increased trust. |
- Based on the case, other topic Resources, and your worldview, in 150-200 words, what decision would you make if you were in their situation?
| George is facing a life and health dilemma which can be difficult for most people to handle. If I were in the patient’s position, I would ensure that I openly discuss my situation with the family members and let them know how I feel while also seeking their input. I would also seek to balance the sanctity of life, which is a concept of the Christian worldview, and the recognition and the reality of suffering. As such, I would ensure that I pursue palliative care, which can help in symptom management and ensure a better quality of life. Palliative care has been shown to help patients feel respected and loved as they anticipate the end of life due to terminal illnesses (Ryan et al.,2020). I would also seek to talk with family members, healthcare professionals and spiritual leaders who can greatly help in making the best decision. Therefore, I would make a decision that aligns with the Christian worldview and principles. |
References
Atkinson, D. J. (2022). The message of Job. InterVarsity Press.
Bunyan, J. (2023). The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Or, The Truth of the Resurrection of the Bodies, Both of Good and Bad at the Last Day: Asserted, and Proved by God’s Word. Aneko Press.
Nickelsburg, G. W. (2023). Resurrection, immortality, and eternal life in intertestamental Judaism and early Christianity. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Peterson, M. L. (2020). CS Lewis and the Christian worldview. Oxford University Press.
Ryan, S., Wong, J., Chow, R., & Zimmermann, C. (2020). Evolving definitions of palliative care: upstream migration or confusion? Current Treatment Options In Oncology, 21, 1–17. Doi: 10.1007/s11864-020-0716-4
Stenmark, M. (2022). Worldview studies. Religious studies, 58(3), 564–582.
Sulmasy, D. P. (2021). Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Theological and Ethical Responses. Christian bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 27(3), 223-227. https://doi.org/10.1093/cb/cbab015
Wu, S. F. (2023). Finding God in Suffering: Journeying with Jesus and Scriptures. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
PHI-413V Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs Case Analysis Sample Answer
Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis
Religion and spirituality are essential factors for most people seeking medical care and interventions. Unfortunately, health care providers and professionals do not consider the religious beliefs and spiritual needs of patients when dealing with complex medical decisions. As professional service providers and experts, health professionals must consider patients’ spiritual needs as such will enable them to develop responsive interventions to deal with any ethical dilemmas (Isaac, Hay, & Lubetkin, 2016). This paper explores the need for a spiritual needs analysis by health care providers based on a case study analysis that involves parental postponement of medically required intervention based on religious beliefs in prayers and miracles.
Allowing Mike to Continue Making Decisions
The physician is a professional guided by professional ethics and biomedical ethical principles that include beneficence, autonomy, non-maleficence, and justice. Imperatively, the physician has a responsibility to confer benefits to a patient through better life-saving interventions (Katz & Webb, 2016). Therefore, he should not allow Mike to make decisions that look irrational and detrimental to his son’s health. Although health care professionals should respect parental decisions based on the autonomy principle as they exercise this because James is a minor, the doctor has a legal and ethical responsibility to intervene in the situation that seems harmful to the child (Isaac et al., 2016). Mike is declining and postponing James medically required therapy or intervention because of his faith and religious beliefs. Mike believes that James will be healed through a miracle, as witnessed by one of his church members. Postponing James’ treatment is detrimental to his health and overall quality of life. Mike’s irrational decisions have led to the deterioration of James’ health to the point of having permanent dialysis and need for a kidney transplant.
Health professionals and providers have a responsibility to protect vulnerable children from potential medical negligence. When health providers encounter minors who face increasing health risks that can be detrimental to their life due to their parent’s inaction or poor decision, they are obligated by law and professional standards to intervene in such situations (Katz & Webb, 2016). again, health care professionals have an ethical responsibility to implement life-saving interventions over parental objection, especially when the minor’s life is in danger. Pediatricians have legal and ethical obligations to make sound decisions and offer care beneficial to pediatric patients.
Christian Perspective on Health & Sickness, Medical Interventions and What Mike Should Do
Healing is a core influence on individuals’ health care behaviors and beliefs because of the perceived role of religion and spirituality in health. Christianity is composed of different denominations, and it is challenging to have a common approach to the perception of health and sickness and medical interventions. However, the general perception is that good health is a gift and blessing from God for good deeds and having faith and trust in Him (Isaac et al., 2016). Christians are supposed to live in good health without sickness because the illness signifies the devil taking control of God’s people. Illness or sickness is a reprisal form for sinning or doing bad things that do not please God. Further, Christians perceive sickness as a form of temptation or trials that they encounter to strengthen their faith and increase their belief in God and the healing power that He possesses. For instance, Mike wonders if his faith is not sufficient or if God is punishing him because of his son’s deteriorating condition.
It is common for religious people to question their faith when faced with sickness and why it occurs. Faith leads to good health, and sickness is a lack of devotion to one’s faith. Christians advance that when one is dedicated to their faith and believe in God, they are healed from illnesses and diseases that may impair their ability to practice their faith (Isaac et al., 2016). For instance, Mike considers his inability to demonstrate faith as the reason his son cannot be healed through prayers.
Medical intervention is a core aspect of the vocation of those called to care for others. Christians believe that medical interventions are miracles from God through physicians and other health care providers whose vocation is to treat and care for others. Christians should view medical interventions as a way of respecting God’s command for people to seek medical treatment and not a lack of faith. For instance, Jesus in Mathew 9:12 talks about those who are sick seeking medical treatment by looking for a physician as opposed to the healthy who do not need medical care. The implication is that God does not command Christians to keep away from medicine or refuse surgical interventions or procedures. Medical knowledge is a gift from God for people’s benefits. Therefore, Christians should seek medical care and view medical interventions as biblical and a way of honoring God with their bodies and respecting them as God’s dwelling (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
As a Christian, Mike needs to allow James to undergo the prescribed medical intervention to believe that God will use the health care professionals to heal his son. By permitting his son to undertake medical treatment, it will imply that God will not heal James by prayers but means that He can and, at times, selects to cure the sick through medical interventions.
In honoring the beneficence principle, Mike needs to reflect on his son’s condition and understand that a kidney transplant will save his life. Mike should view beneficence as the physician’s conventional purpose as the good Samaritan who comes to help the sick and relives their pain and suffering. Secondly, Mike should honor the principle of non-maleficence by accepting a kidney transplant for his son with the aim of not harming him but healing (Brown, 2019). He needs to uphold his trust in God through the medical procedures, and James will get healed.
Importance of a Spiritual Needs Assessment
A spiritual needs assessment or analysis is a critical aspect of effective care delivery. A spiritual assessment allows health care providers to collect information or data on the patient’s wishes and how they base their decisions. Secondly, the assessment will enable the physician and other providers to understand the connection between the treatment interventions and what Mike believes about these approaches to cure his son (Isaac et al., 2016). When a spiritual assessment is done compassionately and culturally sensitively, it can help relieve patients’ suffering.
In this case, the assessment would help the physician help Mike determine suitable interventions for his son and his family members and others involved in the James’ care by identifying the spiritual needs concerning the medical care. The physician will also know the type of interventions that would be responsive and respectful to the family based on their spiritual beliefs (Evans & Devlin, 2016). A spiritual assessment provides a context for those involved to discuss patient experiences and their families to help them cope with diseases and beliefs that may contradict medical decisions.
The parameters needed for spiritual assessment of patients or clients include supporting spiritual beliefs, organizational resources, and spiritual activities (Meilaender, 2013). However, the physician can only use a spiritual assessment to identify the spiritual needs, but their role is not to offer spiritual guidance. A physician can refer the patient to a facility’s chaplain or the patient’s religious minister to help them develop an effective spiritual perceptive and address the underlying spiritual needs.
Conclusion
James’s case study demonstrates the need for nurse practitioners and other health care providers to develop effective mechanisms that will allow them to seek health care interventions and avoid detrimental outcomes, as evidenced in the case of Mike and his son James. Christians should perceive sickness and health as all-important and require medical interventions. Sickness may have negative connotations but also important in helping one seek medical care.
References
Brown, C. G. (2019). Theologies of medicine and miracles. Society, 56(2), 141-146.
Evans, S., & Devlin, G. (2016). Client-led spiritual interventions: Faith-integrated
professionalism in the context of a Christian faith-based organization. Australian Social Work, 69(3), 360-372.
Isaac, K., Hay, J., & Lubetkin, E. (2016). Incorporating spirituality in primary care. Journal of
Religion and Health, 55(3), 1065-1077.
Katz, A. & Webb, S. (2016). Informed consent in decision-making in pediatric practice.
Pediatrics, 138(2), e20161485.
Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A Primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids.