In terms of intervention and spiritual care, how do you support a patient facing an ethical dilemma, with consideration for their worldview? If you were that patient, what care would you want provided?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format.
When supporting a patient facing an ethical dilemma, it is essential to approach care holistically, incorporating physical, emotional, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. Intervention and spiritual care should be centered around the patient’s individual worldview, values, and belief systems. As a nurse or healthcare provider, establishing a therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy allows for open communication about the patient’s concerns. Active listening, ethical sensitivity, and cultural humility are critical to understanding how a patient’s personal, religious, or spiritual beliefs influence their decision-making (Puchalski et al., 2009).
Ethical dilemmas often involve complex decisions about end-of-life care, reproductive choices, or treatment options that conflict with personal values. Spiritual care interventions might include offering to contact a chaplain, clergy, or spiritual advisor, creating space for prayer or reflection, or simply being present and offering compassionate support. The aim is not to direct the patient’s decision, but to help them find clarity, peace, and alignment with their values. The use of ethical frameworks, such as the Four Principles of Biomedical Ethics—autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—can help guide decision-making while respecting the patient’s perspective (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).
If I were the patient, I would want care that is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and inclusive of my spiritual beliefs, whether religious or secular. I would appreciate being given the space to explore my thoughts and feelings and be supported in making a decision that aligns with my personal ethics and values. I would also want assurance that my autonomy is respected and that healthcare providers advocate for my best interests while recognizing the role of my worldview in guiding care choices.
References
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Puchalski, C. M., Vitillo, R., Hull, S. K., & Reller, N. (2009). Improving the spiritual dimension of whole person care: Reaching national and international consensus. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 12(10), 885–904. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2009.0142
The post Patient Facing an Ethical Dilemma appeared first on Nursing Depo.