Introduction
Nurses and physicians need to apply their competencies to address emerging issues in care delivery. The principles of autonomy and beneficence dictate the decisions such professionals make. People’s cultural and spiritual needs are also worth considering when providing the best medical services. The current case revolves around a patient by the name of James who is suffering from acute glomerulonephritis. This paper describes the nature of the emerging issues and the role different stakeholders should play to deliver positive results.
Physician’s Decision
Mike appears to be making irrational decisions that might harm James. The physician in charge of this patient should begin by appreciating the concept of autonomy. This knowledge will allow the professional to consider the best strategy that can maximize healing and re-pattern James’ medical experience. Mike is keen to follow the family’s spiritual values and principles hoping that the patient will heal through God’s intervention (Orr, 2015). Unfortunately, the nature of the condition means that death is inevitable unless the expert provides the most appropriate intervention. The physician will have to inform Mike about the dangers associated with this condition and why evidence-based medical procedures are necessary.
While focusing on patients’ autonomy is a leading principle in care delivery, the physician is required to strike a balance between death and healing. The individual will have to engage Mike and Joanne to ensure that they understand that medical interventions are God’s plan to support healing. This strategy will help Mike appreciate the fact that his son might lose his life if proper measures are not undertaken (Orr, 2015). The move will ensure that Mike no longer continues to make such damaging decisions. This initiative will not be against the autonomy of the patient.
Christianity and Sickness
Sickness is one of the problems human beings have to experience in their lives. The Christian worldview presents a powerful outline that can help many believers accept their situations and focus on the biggest reward. They will appreciate life the way it is since it is a gift from God. Such believers will rely on their religious foundations to identify health as a sign of blessing from God (Orr, 2015). People are also endowed with wisdom and the ability to differentiate between what is acceptable and what is not. This knowledge becomes the best foundation for doing what is right. Those who eat healthily and avoid sinning will have higher chances of leading quality lives.
However, diseases tend to occur as a reminder of the short nature of human life. Such experiences could remind people about some of the predicaments they might experience in their lives. However, sickness should not force people to make decisions that are irrational (Grim & Grim, 2019). They should also use such an opportunity to denounce God. These attributes explain why Christians should realize that sickness and good health are unique attributes that define human life. This understanding will encourage them to pray and always learn to seek God’s intervention.
Since sickness is a common feature of human life, it would always be appropriate for Christians to embrace medical interventions. Such evidence-based practices are necessary since God created the universe and presented opportunities and plants to help all living things (Grim & Grim, 2019). Some people have the talent to help the sick and the poor. Individuals should appreciate medical procedures since they are part of God’s plan. They should also ask for forgiveness and pray for God’s healing powers. The combination of these strategies is critical to support the healing process and help prolong human life.
This analysis can explain the initiatives Mike should undertake as a Christian. As the father of James, he should collaborate with the lead physician to identify the best medical plan that will work efficiently for the patient. As a Christian, he will also have to remain prayerful and continue to seek God’s help and intervention. He can also encourage the other members of the family to consider James’ health challenges and offer their inputs to transform the healing process (Isaac et al., 2016). The ultimate aim is to support God’s creation by helping protect life by all means.
Mike needs to appreciate the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence in James’ care. These concepts will ensure that he pursues ideas and initiatives that will not harm James. In such a process, Mike will be willing to seek God’s intervention and allow the physician to consider whatever works effectively to improve the patient’s health experience (Isaac et al., 2016). While putting his trust in God, Mike will ensure that dialysis is selected to meet James’ short-term medical aims. He will still consider a kidney transplant since the approach will end James’ health problems. The consideration of these attributes will ensure that the physician is ready to do what is right and support the delivery of timely services.
Spiritual Needs Assessment
Physicians and caregivers should be aware of the cultural and spiritual attributes of their patients. The concept of cultural competence guides different professionals to identify the challenges and expectations of their patients. This information will also guide them to learn more about the demands of the wider members of the patients’ families. A spiritual needs assessment is, therefore, necessary to develop the best care delivery plan that takes into consideration the demands of all family members (Isaac et al., 2016). This strategy will make it easier for the professional to integrate prayers and fasting measures as part of the medical process.
The completed assessment report will help the participants identify the best medical interventions and cultural practices. Such approaches will consider the religious beliefs of Mike’s family. The physician needs to be supportive throughout the process to ensure that the anticipated goals are realized. This strategy will ensure that all participants focus on the best way to improve James’ experience. The use of such interventions will make it easier for James to go through the suggested transplant and eventually record positive health outcomes (Grim & Grim, 2019). Consequently, such decisions will ensure that James can lead a better and quality life. These aspects explain why a medical professional should strive to develop the most appropriate cultural competencies.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified some of the principles and skills that medical practitioners should take seriously. Such attributes are capable of dictating the quality of services available to different patients. Mike should be willing to listen to the physician’s advice to ensure that James records positive health outcomes. The involvement of all family members and the completion of a proper spiritual needs assessment will support the care delivery process. The proposed transplant will eventually solve James’ health mysteries.
References
Grim, B. J., & Grim, M. E. (2019). Belief, behavior, and belonging: How faith is indispensable in preventing and recovering from substance abuse. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1713-1750. Web.
Isaac, K., Hay, J., & Lubetkin, E. (2016). Incorporating spirituality in primary care. Journal of Religion and Health, 55(3), 1065-1077. Web.
Orr, R. D. (2015). Incorporating spirituality into patient care. AMA Journal of Ethics, 17(5), 409-415. Web.