Question one
A dilemma refers to a situation where an individual finds him/herself in a position where they are supposed to make decisions concerning particular subjects and which in most cases will result in outcomes that may have challenging connotations (Post & Blustein, 2015). The case presented above presents an ethical dilemma in which urgent decisions need to be made to save the life of a 6-year-old child who has been affected by a bout of meningitis. However, there are challenges to the plan of care that is supposed to be given to the child since the parents have got conflicting views concerning the custody and consequently the health care needs of the child. The conflicting moral standing between the child’s parents is likely to be the source of problems in as far as the treatment of the child is concerned. The mother who has got custody of the child is a Christian scientist does not have any beliefs on the scientific medicine regimen in treating diseases and dwells only on prayers and religious beliefs. On the other hand, the child’s biological father who resides in another state is of the opinion that proper medication needs to be provided to the child and goes a step further to seek for further consultations that will result in desirable health outcomes of the child. The ethical dilemma presented in this case, therefore, is the one of trying to provide the required medical care to the child without going against the moral standing of the mother.
Question 2
Decision-making model
Stage 1: Identifying the ethical dilemma
The first step in solving an ethical dilemma is by acknowledging that there is indeed a problem which is dilemmatic in nature and which needs to be solved. It is the foundation on which decisions will be made.Stage 2: Identifying the variables in the dilemma
This stage identifies the persons of interest involved in the dilemma. The role that these stakeholders play in this situation should be given attention to determine the duration that will be taken to arrive at an amicable solution (Étienne, 2013).Stage 3: Assessing the stand of the health care practitioner on the issue at hand
The professional standards and the codes of conduct on which the healthcare practitioners operate should also be considered to determine the position that they hold concerning the issue at hand. The health care provider is supposed to consider his/her morals and values before delving into solving the problem at hand (Étienne, 2013).Stage 4: Assessing the perspective of the patient concerning the ethical dilemma
It is important for a health care provider to utilize easy to comprehend language when addressing the patient to ease the process of care provision. The patient’s values and influences should also be given consideration without forgetting their views on the care provider (Étienne, 2013).Stage 5: Sharing the assessments in a participative manner
There is the need to integrate the different stands of the participants in the dilemma in order to have sound and effective outcomes expected of the patient as far as solving the dilemma is concerned (Étienne, 2013).Stage 6: Identifying an effective method of solving the dilemma
The framework that will be used to solve the dilemma is supposed to be one that takes into consideration the rights, ethical and moral stands of the patient and whether the care program is mutually acceptable (Étienne, 2013).Stage 7: Identifying a suitable resolution
Having followed all the steps involved in developing a dilemma solving the model, it is vital that a solution model which is based on the opinions of all the involved parties be taken into consideration to provide a lasting solution to the dilemma (Étienne, 2013).Question 3
Using the model to solve the dilemma
Explanation to the family
Mother: can you kindly give me a substantive explanation as to why you want to go against my religious beliefs as far as my child’s health is concerned?
Physician: We respect your concerns madam; however, it is our responsibility as care providers to ensure that the patients we are presented receive the best health care.
Mother: But my religious beliefs dwell on prayers to solve all problems that we as human beings are faced including health matters.
Physician: You are right madam, nevertheless, as health care providers; it is our responsibility to ensure that our patients receive an all round care plan which is composed of spiritual, physical and mental wellness (Étienne, 2013).
Mother: Does it mean you will include prayers, meditation and other cultural belief in the care plan for my child?
Physician: Yes, the hospital is dedicated to providing holistic care to all patients to ensure their spiritual nourishment and other safe cultural practices are not compromised during treatment (Étienne, 2013). Therefore, be assured that your child is in safe hands.
Mother: I appreciate your efforts
Physician: Welcome.
References
Burkhardt, M., & Nathaniel, A. (2013). Ethics and issues in contemporary nursing. Cengage Learning.
Étienne, M. (Ed.). (2013). Companion modelling: a participatory approach to support sustainable development. Springer Science & Business Media.
Post, L. F., & Blustein, J. (2015). Handbook for health care ethics committees. JHU Press.
