Applying the Four Principles: Case Study
Part 1: Chart (60 points)
Based on the “Healing and Autonomy” case study, fill out all the relevant boxes below. Provide the information by means of bullet points or a well-structured paragraph in the box. Gather as much data as possible.
| Medical Indications Beneficence and Nonmaleficence | Patient Preferences Autonomy |
| The most profound acts of beneficence and nonmaleficence in the “Healing and Autonomy” case study include Mike and Joanne’s selfless acts of offering their kidney on instant for James’ kidney transplant. This is also evident among the close friends and church members who offered to donate a kidney to James. However, this proved to be impossible as all of them were incompatible. | The aspect of patient preferences constitutes of James’ prognosis and requirement of continuous dialysis process. The dialysis process at first was a temporary measure intended to make James regain strength and capacity for the body to heal. This fast deteriorated following James’ parents’ decision to forego medical treatment and for the faith and God’s divine intervention. This was pure negligence of James (patient) preference – but as a minor the decision remained to be made by his parents. |
| Quality of Life Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy | Contextual Features Justice and Fairness |
| The quality of life comprises of the conflicting aspects of faith and medical treatment. The choice placed on Mike and Joanne to determine the best course of action for James’ medical issue remained a profound issued that was profoundly difficulty. That is, whether to follow their faith and tests or look for medical treatment which could be interpreted as a failure to believe in God. | The aspect of justice and fairness is evident is subjecting their other remaining healthy child (Samuel) into medical risks in order to save his brother. It would be just for James to receive a kidney from his brother for his transplant with prompts the question of fairness in subjecting Samuel to this ordeal. As parents, it is a torment to choose one son over the other and equally unfair to neglect James or subject Samuel to donating a kidney to his brother. |
Part 2: Evaluation
Answer each of the following questions about how the four principles and four boxes approach would be applied:
| · Beneficence In the Christian worldview, it is integral to be selfless, kind hearted, and bighearted to others. The suffering of James brought his parents closer to God. Also, their selfless act of donating their kidney to James is a proof of beneficence. As well, close friends and church members’ willingness to donate a kidney to James is a proof of Christians’ selflessness and commitment to helping others (Varkey, 2021). · Nonmaleficence The aspect of nonmaleficence from a Christian’s worldview is evident in James physicians respect of his parents’ decision to follow their faith and desire of God’s intervention. Despite rapid return of James to the hospital as an emergency case – the doctors remained committed to treating him to the best of their ability. This is the absolute aspect of nonmaleficence which requires physicians to do no harm to the patients. · Autonomy Autonomy revolves on the capacity of the patient, guardian, parent or person who has the power to make medical decisions on behalf of another to choose the best cause of action. As Christians, it is integral to choose that which is of the most benefit to the affected person (Lulé, Kúbler & Ludolph, 2019). · Justice As Christians, justice should be accorded equally and fairly to all individuals. James should have justice in accessing the best care possible. It is paramount for Samuel to be accorded equal measure of justice in making the decision whether he should donate a kidney to his brother. |
