Applying Ethical Analysis in Clinical Practice- Utilizing the Four Principles and Four Boxes Approach
Part 1: Chart
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. Get in touch with us at eminencepapers.com. We offer assignment help with high professionalism.
Medical Indications
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence |
Patient Preferences
Autonomy |
The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis upon realizing that James’ presenting complaint was complicated and could not resolve on its own. Additionally, the physician respected James’ parent’s decision to forgo the dialysis and place faith in God for the healing of their son.
James’ physician was able to tend to him upon their return despite James’ parents having undermined his decision for immediate dialysis. |
James’ parents decided to forgo the dialysis recommended by their son’s physician and instead seek healing from God. The physician respected this decision and allowed them to do just as they wanted.
Mike also has to decide on whether his second son Samuel will donate a kidney for their son or whether his son will receive God’s healing. |
Quality of Life
Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy |
Contextual Features
Justice and Fairness |
James’ life is now dependent on dialysis and will require a kidney transplant within a year. His parents now have to decide whether James’ twin, Samuel has to lose a kidney or whether God’s miracle will manifest on their son.
James’ nephrologists recommend Samuel as the perfect kidney donor for James upon realizing that no match could be found from persons allied to James’ parents. This action, upon being successful, will greatly improve James’ quality of life. |
The physicians and the nephrologists treated the case with all fairness despite James’ parents having beliefs that are likely to impede the process of care.
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Part 2: Evaluation
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)
An extrapolation of the fundamentals of principlism gives due weight to the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Beneficence requires that an individual in a decision-making role is obligated to act for the benefit of others. Mike has to make a decision that will enable the realization of optimal results for his son. On the other hand, nonmaleficence requires that an individual not inflict harm on others (Jahn, 2017). In this case, should Mike decide on an intervention that leads to the deterioration of his child’s health, he will have contravened the provisions of this principle. The principle of autonomy is also in play in this case. Mike reserves all decisions regarding his son’s treatment. He has to decide whether his son gets a transplant or not. He also has to decide whether his second son becomes James’ kidney donor. The principle of justice is also evident. Healthcare professionals must treat the case fairly despite having beliefs that are likely to impede the process of care. As evident in the case, Mike decided to forgo immediate dialysis upon recommendations from the physician.
In the Christian view, miracle manifestations exist, and divine healing can be achieved through faith in God. Despite evidence that divine healing exists, its predictability is still difficult (Coyle, 2017). As evident in the case, Mike’s first effort to seek healing for his son failed. He, however, has to make a similar but more complicated decision as to whether to trust God’s miracle or seek a transplant as advised by the nephrologists. |
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)
The case study presents a dilemma to James’ parents as to whether they should follow and maintain their Christian beliefs or follow guidance from medical experts. The four principles described in principlism offer theoretical frameworks on which clinical decision-making is based. Divine healing through faith in God has been documented but remains probabilistic. A balance in the application of these principles is therefore necessary. The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to ensure optimal outcomes for the patients. Their safeguard is, therefore, critical and should not be compromised. In this case, Mike should make a decision that enables the realization of optimal outcomes for his son. He, in equal measure, should try to avoid interventions that maintain a higher level of probability. Mike also maintains autonomy over the treatment interventions for his son and whether his other son can be presented as a kidney donor.
Kidney transplants have significantly enhanced the quality of life for many patients with kidney diseases requiring a transplant. Renal transplants have also been implicated in significant reductions in morbidity and mortality in these patients (Rosselli et al., 2018). Kidney transplants are scientifically proven to be effective and remain the best option for this patient. Mike may have to compromise on his Christian belief and allow his son to undergo the scheduled transplant. He may also facilitate both interventions by allowing his son to undergo the transplant and still seek God’s healing and intervention during and after the transplant. |
References
Coyle, J. (2017). Spirituality and health: towards a framework for exploring the relationship between spirituality and health. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 37(6), 589-597. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2002.02133.x
Jahn, W. (2017). The 4 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
Rosselli, D., Rueda, J., & Diaz, C. (2018). Cost-effectiveness of kidney transplantation compared with chronic dialysis in end-stage renal disease. Saudi Journal Of Kidney Diseases And Transplantation, 26(4), 733. https://doi.org/10.4103/1319-2442.160175
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Question
This assignment will incorporate a standard practical tool in helping clinicians begin to analyze a case ethically. Organizing the data 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.