The case study presents a medical dilemma. Joanne and Mike encounter a unique problem arising from their son’s health condition. James has been diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis and is in need of a kidney transplant. James’ physician suggests that immediate dialysis is needed to address his health needs. However, the parents go further to embrace the power of prayers. This fact explains why there are pressing issues in the case study. To begin with, the Christian Worldview indicates that everything was created by a Supreme Being. Human beings resemble God and should, therefore, act in accordance with His teachings. The practice of medical care, therefore, contradicts with that of Mike’s Christian faith (Swierstra, de Bovenkamp, & Trappenburg, 2010). The parents decide not to take James for dialysis. Instead, they take their son to a faith healing service. However, his condition worsens after foregoing the suggested rounds of dialysis.
When the parents embrace the power of faith, their client does not record positive health outcomes. Mike starts to question his faith. He even thinks that God might be punishing the family. The case goes further to show how different Christians think about various diseases. The relationship between medical processes and religious faith is portrayed as a pressing issue in the case (Rumun, 2014). The individuals are divided regarding the use of prayers or medical practices. The other outstanding concern arises from the issue of organ transplants. James’ situation has worsened after the family avoided the recommended medical practices. Consequently, James is in need of a kidney transplant in order to have a healthy life. Someone will have to donate a kidney to James. This is a pressing issue that can cause division among different Christian believers. The problem should, therefore, be addressed in order to address James’ needs.
The principles of bioethics (also known as the four-principle approach) outline specific issues that should be embraced whenever supporting the health needs of different patients. The first principle focuses on the issue of autonomy. The people “involved throughout the healthcare delivery process should respect the decision-making capacities of autonomous persons” (Gagnier et al., 2013, p. 9). The nonmaleficence principle explains why human beings are not expected to cause harm to other people. The other principles outlined in the model include beneficence and justice. These principles explain why the physician should act ethically to support James’ wellbeing. That being the case, the physician should not allow Mike to make inappropriate decisions that affect the patient’s health outcomes.
In order to overcome the ethical issues that might arise during the process, the physician should ensure Mike understands the position of medicine in the Christian faith. The physician should use his or her skills to guide Mike. By so doing, James’ parents will be informed about the best practices that can be embraced to deliver desirable health results. The use of this approach will ensure a multidisciplinary team is developed. The possible members of the team include James, Mike, Joanne, Samuel, the physician, and a religious leader. All these individuals will collaborate throughout the decision-making process (Rumun, 2014). The targeted goal is to ensure James’ health needs are addressed in a professional manner. Any decision capable of affecting his health outcomes will definitely be avoided. The parents will be informed about the best practices towards maximizing James’ experiences. The process will eventually support the health needs of James. The patient will eventually realize his health objectives.
The Christian narrative can be used to analyze the issues surrounding this case. Medical ethics is something that has attracted numerous views from different players. Guardians and parents might decide to ignore the use of different medical procedures for their children (Swierstra et al., 2010). The four principles of bioethics go further to promote the idea of patient autonomy. This means that all the people involved throughout the healthcare delivery process should promote the best strategies to maximize the health outcomes of the targeted patients. The other issue is that of organ donation. If a medical practice is aimed at maximizing the health of a patient, the involved persons should embrace and support it using the most desirable resources. These notions encourage medical practitioners to put the needs and expectations of all stakeholders into consideration. At the same time, the autonomy of the patient should be taken seriously.
This knowledge explains why James’ case should be analyzed from a critical perspective. The Christian narrative goes further to indicate that human beings are endowed with the best knowledge in order to pursue God’s goals on earth. Medicine, therefore, is a field that is in accordance with this objective. Mike should be educated about this narrative in order to combine both religious and medical processes. This approach will ensure more people are willing to support James’ health outcomes (Rumun, 2014). Samuel and James should also be educated about the issue of organ donation. These aspects will play a critical role in supporting the targeted client. When such issues are considered from a Christian perspective, James’ parents will collaborate with more individuals to produce positive results.
The ultimate duty of Christians is to apply Biblical teachings in every situation affecting them. This is the case because God created the Holy Spirit to guide His people. According to the class teachings, Christianity will treat medicine as a field that serves God’s purposes on earth. That being the case, Christians should be ready to engage in the best practices that have the potential to support the outcomes of the greatest number of people in society. Christian Worldview explains why believers should work hard to support one another (Rumun, 2014). This discussion shows clearly that Christians can develop powerful models to deal with various diseases and health conditions. This means that Christians will treat sickness as a challenge that tests peoples’ faith. In order to deal with sickness, Christians should pray and embrace the best practices that can deliver positive health outcomes.
This understanding explains why Mike should use his Christian values to support James’ health outcomes. The case shows clearly that Mike is questioning his faith. Using the Christian narrative, Mike will trust God because He is a Supreme Being. Without testing God, Mike will encourage members of his family to pray for James. This kind of trust will increase his family’s faith. The next thing is for Mike to embrace the use of dialysis (Gagnier et al., 2013). The process will address James’ health needs. Finally, Mike will work hard to ensure his son has a kidney transplant. The medical process will support the patient and re-pattern his health status. The members of the family will use their Christian values to pray for James. The ultimate goal is to ensure James leads a better life.
Reference List
Gagnier, J., Kienle, G., Altman, D., Moher, D., Sox, H., & Riley, D. (2013). The CARE guidelines: Consensus-based clinical case reporting guideline development. BMJ Case Reports, 1(1), 1-23.
Rumun, A. (2014). Influence of religious beliefs on the healthcare practice. International Journal of Education Research, 2(4), 37-48.
Swierstra, T., de Bovenkamp, H., & Trappenburg, M. (2010). Forging a fit between technology and morality: The Dutch debate on organ transplants. Technology in Society, 32(1), 55-64.