Discussion Post: Intervention & Ethical Decision-Making
According to Keith (2020), a person's worldview and, in turn, what they come to worship shapes, informs, and transforms them spiritually. As a Christian. My belief in God as the creator of human beings shapes my understanding of life being God-given, that He is in control and has the final say on everything. As health care givers, we should always respect our patients' worldviews and their values only challenging them respectfully, when necessary, especially in matters that affect their health negatively. A patient's worldview should always take precedent over our own beliefs. There are many instances that patients and their family members have requested to pray before a surgical procedure, and I gladly join in. Through careful assessment, we can identify patients' spiritual needs and offer care appropriately. For patients who do not belief in any religion, it can be challenging as a Christian trying to understand their arguments, yet we should preserve and respect patient autonomy throughout the decision-making process.
In the event of a difficult situation as the patient, I should have the final say in making decisions about my health which should be from a point of understanding the available choices. I belief frictions between health care givers and patients with their families occur due to inadequate information, empathy, or lack of trust. As healthcare providers, I believe it is our duty to empower patients and create space for them to consider all the options available to them, without any judgment or promotion of our own beliefs. (Pirschel, 2016).
When it comes to facilitating spiritual care for patients with worldviews different from your own, what are your strengths and weaknesses? If you were the patient, who would have the final say in terms of ethical decision-making and intervention in the event of a difficult situation?
The response should include a reference list. Using double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.