Supporting a Patient Facing an Ethical Dilemma Through Intervention and Spiritual Care
When a patient faces an ethical dilemma, providing intervention and spiritual care requires a compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered approach that considers their worldview, beliefs, and values. Ethical dilemmas in healthcare often involve end-of-life decisions, treatment refusal, informed consent, and moral distress. As a nurse, my role is to facilitate ethical decision-making by offering emotional support, ensuring informed choices, and providing spiritual care that aligns with the patient’s belief system.
One effective intervention is active listening. This involves creating a safe space where the patient can openly express their concerns, fears, and values. By understanding their worldview—whether religious, secular, or philosophical—I can help guide them toward a decision that aligns with their beliefs. For example, if a Christian patient is struggling with discontinuing life support, I might encourage discussions with a chaplain or clergy member for spiritual guidance (Puchalski, 2020). Conversely, for a non-religious patient, I would focus on their personal values and ethical reasoning, possibly involving an ethics committee for additional perspectives.
Another key aspect of intervention is collaboration. Engaging interdisciplinary teams, including chaplains, social workers, and ethicists, can provide comprehensive support. Nurses should advocate for patient autonomy while balancing medical recommendations and spiritual concerns (Ferrell & Coyle, 2018).
If I were the patient, I would want holistic care that respects my values, whether religious or secular. I would appreciate emotional support, ethical guidance, and resources to help me make an informed decision without pressure. Knowing that my spiritual and personal beliefs were considered would provide comfort and reassurance during a difficult time.
References
Ferrell, B. R., & Coyle, N. (2018). Oxford textbook of palliative nursing (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Puchalski, C. M. (2020). Spirituality in health: The role of spirituality in critical care. Critical Care Clinics, 36(4), 659-666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2020.06.007
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