PHI 413 In terms of intervention and spiritual care, how do you support a patient facing an ethical dilemma, with consideration for their worldview?
Answer 2 for PHI 413 In terms of intervention and spiritual care
how do you support a patient facing an ethical dilemma, with consideration for their worldview?
Supporting a patient facing an ethical dilemma requires me as a nurse, to provide sensitive and thoughtful spiritual care, considering the patient’s worldview, beliefs, and values. Patients encounter complex and emotionally challenging ethical dilemmas in healthcare. The choices and perspectives they adopt in making healthcare decisions are significantly shaped by their individual worldview. This worldview, comprising values, beliefs, experiences, culture, and adherence to societal norms, moral codes, and religious practices plays a crucial role in guiding patients through their healthcare journey (Evans, 2022). By actively listening to the patient’s concerns, fears, and values, I would be able to assess their worldview and spiritual beliefs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing their ethical dilemma. Supporting patients in their chosen interventions and addressing their spiritual needs is paramount in alleviating feelings of reluctance and apprehension. Understanding that a person’s worldview significantly influences healthcare decisions, particularly in intricate and vague ethical dilemmas, emphasizes the importance of providing holistic support. I would let my patient know that they have a safe space to express themselves openly without fear of judgment. Ensuring my patient feels supported is a top priority. Conducting a spiritual assessment can aid the patient in identifying and comprehending their specific needs. Such as utilizing the Religious Struggle Screening Protocol” (RSSP) which was formulated to aid healthcare professionals who are not chaplains in identifying patients requiring spiritual care (Nissen et al., 2021). As emphasized by Green (2021), nurses should consistently demonstrate care, comfort, and compassion towards their patients. Advocacy for patient rights is crucial, and I am committed to ensuring that these rights are upheld. In navigating these challenges, healthcare professionals can extend assistance by facilitating contact with individuals in the patient’s religious communities, engaging in active listening, and providing support. These considerations contribute to a comprehensive approach to spiritual care, acknowledging and respecting the diverse dimensions of a patient’s worldview.
References
Evans, K. (2022). Intervention, ethical decision-making, and spiritual care. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in health care (Second Edition). https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter5.html
Green, C. (2021). Assessing Spiritual Health through the Use of Spiritual Health Assessment Tools: Indications for End-of-Life Care. International Journal of Health, Wellness & Society, 11(1), 189–197. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v11i01/189-197
Nissen, R. D., Viftrup, D. T., & Hvidt, N. C. (2021). The process of spiritual care. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 674453.