Case Study on Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative Assignment

Case Study on Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative Assignment

Case Study on Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative Assignment

The principle of beneficence requires that people be treated in an ethical manner that includes environmental longstanding and active efforts to promote the welfare of all people. The principle of nonmaleficence requires that we not inflict intentional harm on others. The principle of autonomy respects each person’s ability to make informed decisions about their own lives. The principle of justice requires that people be treated equitably and fairly (Jahn, 2021). All of these principles are important considerations in the field of bioethics. When making decisions about medical treatment, research, or public health policy, it is crucial to take into account how our actions will impact others. The purpose of this assignment is to analyze Case Study: Healing and Autonomy through the application of four principles of bioethics.

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Applying the Four Principles: Case Study

Part 1: Chart (60 points)

Based on the “Healing and Autonomy” case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.

Medical Indications Beneficence and Nonmaleficence	Patient Preferences Autonomy
ü  Immediate dialysis will be needed to reduce James’ fluid buildup and high blood pressure. ü  James requires a kidney transplant within a year, and his condition deteriorated/worsened significantly. ü  The ideal tissue donor is Samuel, James’s twin brother ü  The kidney transplant will significantly save James’s life; however, Samuel will also experience health problems due to major surgery and as a result of losing one kidney.       Both beneficence and nonmaleficence mandate that a physician must act in a manner that is beneficial to the patient, but they are not mutually exclusive. Norms of moral conduct, such as the prohibitions against killing and causing injury and the prohibitions against suffering and being rendered unable to work, serve as a moral foundation for these two concepts (Jahn, 2021). For example, when James’ renal failure was discovered, the treating physician immediately ordered dialysis to alleviate his discomfort and fluid accumulation. James’ health worsened after the healing sermon. He was in excruciating agony and needed a kidney transplant in addition to dialysis. The nephrologist refused repeated kidney donations to minimize additional injury.	ü  The physician respected the autonomy in allowing James’ parents to take part in religious activities towards the healing process. ü  James’ parents were given the freedom to choose alternative treatment processes, i.e., faith in God through religious interventions. ü  James’s father is faced with another challenge of having Samuel donate a kidney to his twin brother. Samuel also has to undergo surgery which is also considered a complex medical procedure. Mike is struggling with the above possibility and believes that a miracle may occur since this is a true test of his faith. ü  Very little has been said about how Joanne, James’s mother, feels, a situation which raises some questions as to how freely she feels she can voice her opinions. Also, nothing has been said about the choice of James or Samuel. Their opinion is important because the situation will affect both of them.
Quality of Life Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy	Contextual Features Justice and Fairness
ü  The benefits of the medical treatments, including the dialysis, are that they will restore James’ kidney condition and eventually save his life; however, he will experience some temporary discomfort with the temporary dialysis. ü  James’ renal operation should be normalized; however, since James did not receive these medical procedures due to autonomy based on the decisions his parents made (to rely on faith for the healing process), James’s condition has now deteriorated significantly. A kidney transplant will now be required. James will now have to be put on dialysis, which will worsen his quality of life; in addition, he will require a kidney transplant within a year, a situation that will further impact his quality of life. ü  If the kidney transplant become successful, James will have a quality life. However, his brother Samuel will experience a temporary decline in his quality of life due to surgery and slow recovery processes. ü  In addition, Samuel will also remain with one kidney, and should he lose it, he too may require a transplant. ü  If Samuel donates his kidney, he will be giving out a life-saving organ and not lose his twin brother, so this will improve life for both of them. ü  Non-maleficence has been shown as Mike struggles with the idea of why he should put his other son through the ordeal of surgery and the risk that comes with living only with one kidney.	ü  Joanne and Mike are faced with the complex decision of allowing Samuel to donate a kidney to James. Questions may be raised if this is Mike and Joannes’s or Samuel’s decision. It appears that Mike is the sole decision-maker. Should he have the right to place Samuel’s life solely on his faith? And, what is Joanne’s feeling in this matter? ü  Mike wonders if it is fair (justice) to put Samuel through the ordeal of surgery and the risk of remaining only with one kidney. ü  Joanne’s feelings are not being expressed regarding the kidney donation from Samuel. Is she being included in the decision of the kidney transplant? These are some of the questions that can be raised.

Part 2: Evaluation

Answer each of the following questions about how the four principles and four boxes approach would be applied:

1. In 200-250 words, answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how would each of the principles be specified and weighted in this case? Explain why. (45 points)

Adults must use caution while making treatment choices in accordance with the notion of autonomy. Actions are required under the Christian worldview. In the words of James 2:26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without action is dead” (King James Bible, 1970). The Bible’s lessons on faith and healing were misunderstood by Mike and Joanne. A belief held by some Christians is that seeking medical attention is a sign of a lack of trust in God. A physician’s duty to be nice is outlined under the beneficence principle of medical ethics (Rasoal et al., 2017). In the words of Matthew 22:39, “and the second is similar unto it, you should love your neighbor as yourself” (King James Bible, 1970). It is the duty of every doctor to put the welfare of the patient ahead of their own. In accordance with the Nonmaleficence principle, the Bible instructs us that Christians should avoid harming their fellow human beings. Protecting patients’ health is a legal and ethical obligation for physicians. For example, “Love does no harm to his neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law,” reads Romans 13:10. (King James Bible, 1970). This places the onus of patient safety squarely on the shoulders of clinicians. It is important for doctors to avoid making mistakes that might have a negative impact on a patient’s well-being. It is also important that doctors and patients treat each other decently in the workplace and in society. In the words of Psalm 82.3, “Do justice to those who are distressed and poor” (King James Bible, 1970). As physicians, we should always strive for justice and fairness in our work.

 

2. In 200-250 words, answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how might a Christian balance each of the four principles in this case? Explain why. (45 points)

Christians should be capable of maintaining a proper balance between autonomy, justice, non-infliction of harm, and benefit to others (Ashcroft et al., 2017). Matthew 22:39 states that “and the second is similar unto it, ‘Thou shall love thy neighbor as oneself,'” which connects the four principles (King James Bible, 1970). Kindness, love, fidelity, and passion are all essential qualities in a person. As much as autonomy may seem to be at odds with biblical teachings, Christians can nevertheless display their confidence in God by seeking therapy and praying for their cure. For Christians, going to the doctor with the belief that they will get well is much like taking a car to the mechanic with the belief that it will be fixed. Doctors, on the other hand, should be committed to healing rather than damaging patients, to treating rather than eliminating disease, and to instilling hope rather than despairing people. When it comes to medicine, doctors should be led by Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love; joy; peace; longsuffering; gentleness; goodness; faith.” (King James Bible, 1970). In addition, doctors should assist their patients in making well-informed treatment choices that enhance their well-being. Taking a human life is contrary to Christian beliefs; therefore, doctors should not assist in needless abortions (Rasoal et al., 2017). To be a doctor, one must be committed to saving lives while also promoting good health. Doctors should treat patients fairly and without jeopardizing their lives or depleting their resources because of greed.

Conclusion

Benefit, nonmaleficence, and autonomy are all morally significant to the lives of patients. Balance in the patient’s quality of life must be maintained as much as physicians are obligated not to inflict pain or suffering on their patients. Adults must use caution while making treatment choices in accordance with the notion of autonomy. Actions are required under the Christian worldview. Christians should be capable of maintaining a proper balance between autonomy, justice, non-infliction of harm, and benefit to others

References

Ashcroft, R. E., Dawson, A., Draper, H., & McMillan, J. (Eds.). (2017). Principles of health care ethics. John Wiley & Sons.

Jahn, W. T. (2021). The four basic ethical principles that apply to forensic activities are respect for autonomy, beneficence, Nonmaleficence, and justice. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(3), 225-226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.08.004

King James Bible. (1970). The Holy Bible. Camden, New Jersey. Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Rasoal, D., Skovdahl, K., Gifford, M., & Kihlgren, A. (2017). Clinical ethics support for healthcare personnel: An integrative literature review. HEC Forum, 29(4), 313-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10730-017-9325-4

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This assignment will incorporate a common practical tool in helping clinicians begin to ethically analyze a case. Organizing the data in this way will help you apply the four principles and four boxes approach.

Based on the “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy” and other required topic Resources, you will complete the “Applying the Four Principles: Case Study” document that includes the following:

Part 1: Chart

This chart will formalize the four principles and four boxes approach and the four-boxes approach by organizing the data from the case study according to the relevant principles of biomedical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.

Part 2: Evaluation

This part includes questions, to be answered in a total of 500 words, that describe how principalism would be applied according to the Christian worldview.

Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources. RESOURCE: https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/3

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.