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 Non-maleficence

Patient Preferences

 

Autonomy

Medical indications are critical facts, opinions, and assessment of the patients that facilitate accurate diagnostic and therapeutic services in the health facilities. Clinicians provide treatment services by such information. In this regard, the goal of the provision of treatment and care services is to improve the well-being of the patients (Orr, 2015). The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are essential to the provision of medical services. The medical professionals are guided by the need to maximize positive outcomes of the treatment processes. Non-maleficence principle implies nurses are not expected to inflict harm to patients internationally. The medical ethics protect the well-being of the patients when administering treatment services (Meilaender, 2013). Likewise, beneficence also contributes to the provision of patient-centered medical services based on the observed medical indications. The symptoms are often sufficient for the physicians to make accurate diagnosis and therapy that is of great significance to the patient seeking treatment. For instance, James’ medical condition require quick action of the physician in easing his acute glomerulonephritis arising from a strep throat infection. In doing so, nurses are expected to avoid intentionally inflicting pain to the patients. The concept of autonomy and beneficence relate closely as far provision of health services are concerned. The clinicians are expected to balance risks, costs with the need to improve the health condition of their patient. The element of autonomy takes into consideration the need for incorporating patient or caregiver’s perspective concerning the provision of care services. In other words, patient’s preferences such as personal value systems and beliefs. The case study presents dilemmas on balancing between religious beliefs and the need to seek urgent medical attention. James parent’s preferred placing their faith in God to seeking dialysis services to ease the condition of their son. However, they enjoy autonomy in making decisions concerning their patient based on their religious backgrounds.
Quality of Life

 

Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Autonomy

Contextual Features

 

Justice and Fairness

Quality of life encompasses the satisfaction patients derived from their lives as a whole include their general health. It incorporates the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy, particularly in the provision of treatment and care services (The Bible Project, 2017). Clinicians are supposed to avoid intentional medical errors and inputs of the patients should also be incorporated in the treatment processes. For instance, James’ health condition deteriorates due to the decision of his parents to trust too much in their faiths at the expense of seeking medical services. The ethical dilemma present in the case study occurs in the religious context complicating the provision of treatment and care services. The elements of justice and fairness do not feature prominently in the case scenario. However, it can be argued that it is unfair and unjust for the parents of James, a minor, to make detrimental decisions that impact negatively on the general well-being of the patient. James’ parents relied heavily on their faith in God. Benchmark – Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis

 

Part 2: Evaluation


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