Patients spiritual needs

Patients spiritual needs

Introduction

Healing and patient autonomy are two highly correlated concepts. Patient autonomy implies that patients have the sole responsibility of deciding on the kind of treatment they prefer as far as their health conditions are concerned. However, Christianity tends to a different perspective based on the fact that God is the sole giver of life, and He can as well take. Biomedical ethics principles such as beneficence and non- maleficence give a word view guideline on how the patient should be handled. However, the principle of patient autonomy dominates, and this would take into account the patient’s spiritual needs. The reflection herein focuses on the case study of healing and independence for the case of James, who has been suffering from kidney failure. This would form a fundamental framework the would be used to Christian view on autonomy.

Decision making and the principle of autonomy

Principles of autonomy take into account the decision, choices, and feelings of the patient. Such decisions are based on the believes and values of the patients. Also, it is worth noting that this will only prevail if the patient can make informed decisions. For instance, an unconscious patient cannot make informed choices. From the Christian world view, it believed that human beings are rational creatures who created in the image and likeness of God. They can; therefore they are given to make sound decisions and choices. However, judgment is based on the choices made, whether good or bad. In the case study “healing and autonomy,” mikes make decisions for her son James who is suffering from acute glomerulonephritis. He believes that when James is prayed for, his faith will bring healing to his son. However, as time goes by, James’ condition continues to deteriorate. From the autonomy point of view, the patient references are disrespected because mike does not consider the faith, believes, and values of James. In this regard, the physician should not allow Mike to continue making irrational decisions that keep causing more harm to James. Mike should instead enable the physician to do what would beneficial to the health of James.

Decision making Christian perspective, and the principle of Beneficence and non-maleficence.

In most cases, many Christians tend to think that if they are confronted with sickness, then they must have displeased God. However, that is usually not the case because it is a way of sharing in the suffering of Jesus Christ. God often has a purpose in our suffering through the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is our perfect example in the suffering paradigm. Compassionate and healing were one the ministries that Jesus Christ carried out in his human nature. He gave his disciples the power to go cast demons and heal the sick. Today, Christian is expected to continue with the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Christian can achieve this mandate by praying for the ill and using scientific medical intervention to prevent treat sickness. Therefore, the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are fundamental to this scenario. The principle of non-maleficence implies that in as much the physician is mandated to treat the sick, the choice of treatment should no cause harm to the patient. It is important to note that the non-maleficence principle is based on physician judgment.

On the other hand, the principle of beneficence dictates the physician should promote quality of life while preventing harm. Also, physicians should provide what is beneficial to the patient. These two principles are in line with the purpose of the healing ministry of Jesus of bringing suffering to an end. Life is sacred and is solely ordained by God since he breathed life into human beings. Thus, promoting the quality of life is a way of enhancing the sanctuary of life, which is well encompassed in the beneficence principle.

Christians are called to embrace science, medical intervention, and biomedical applications to prevent and alleviate suffering and pain. They should do so by respecting the sanctity of human life. The determination and efforts to alleviate suffering and pain through healing arts reflect on the compassion and healing acts of Jesus. Considering our case study, it is evident that Mike is the dilemma of whether to believe in prayer or allow James to undergo dialysis and kidneys transplants. In as much he takes a position of faith, it would appropriate for Mike to undergo the treatment as this would alleviate the suffering and help honor the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. He should also understand that physicians only treat, but it is only God who cures.

Spiritual needs assessment and medical intervention

Assessment of spiritual needs is a vital component in therapeutic intervention. In considering the spiritual dimension of the patients, the physicians will show that they are concerned with the whole person. This enhances the relationship between the patient and the physician, which will ultimately increase the therapeutic impact of the intervention. Physicians and clinicians can assess the spiritual needs of patients by learning the way how religion and culture affect patients’ and their families’ needs and recovery. In doing so, the physician will be able to enhance the core element for the patient’s coping as well as support systems that would promote wellbeing and healing. In the underlying case study, the spiritual assessment would help the physician understand the religious background and spiritual believes of mike and his family. In return, this would help them understand his level of faith and values.

Further, it would help Mike find meaning and acceptance amidst emotional suffering. The physician is also able to show compassion by being a partner with Mike, James, and the entire family is suffering. In so doing, a perfect relationship is built that would enable the physician to employ the appropriate intervention that better the health condition of Mike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spiritual need assessment is an essential element in patients and their families face illness and suffering. The physician should, therefore, address the emotional and religious beliefs of the patient and those taking care of them to provide compassionate care. Incorporating such believes in the therapeutic plan will help to provide the best medical intervention.