respond to the post and say whether you agree or disagree with the student\'s an
ID: 463828 • Letter: R
Question
respond to the post and say whether you agree or disagree with the student's analysis and why.
I believe Spirituality to be the foundation of religion; but I don’t think Spirituality means religion. To me, it is a universal force that gives us purpose and makes us believe that there is something bigger than ourselves, than humanity (Morrison & Furlong, c2014). We use Spirituality mostly to feel there is something supporting us when things go out of our hands. It gives us hope and it is a way to free ourselves to the world and to live recognizing that there are things we do not have control over.
As a health care provider, I would try to focus in healing patients more than just finding a cure for their disease. Medical practices have changed to a more cure-oriented model; part other reasons for this change are the immense use technology, and the fact that medical care is a business (Puchalski, 2001). I feel that it is harder to actually connect with a patient when we see them as merely a user of our services, and not a person who needs to heal. Because the medical offices and/or hospitals need to see as many people as possible for economic matters, Physicians frequently have time constraints, that prevent them from making a real connection with their patients. I will try to be able to established a practice where we focus on each case and family, to be able to serve with spiritual and compassionate care. By achieving this, my staff will feel they have a real purpose and are actually making a difference in the life of our patients.
Utilitarianism expresses that the actions we make are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority (Morrison & Furlong, c2014). When we base our actions on utilitarianism, we are trying to benefit others as much as possible. Our main goal is to help and serve to the full interest of our neighbor. With deontology, we act as it is our duty (Morrison & Furlong, c2014). The duty of a health care professional I feel is to care for the unhealthy, in all ways. A soul that is healed is a healthy soul, and will bring positivism and hope to the patient. These two ethical positions clearly support spirituality in health care organizations. They both require greater kindness towards our patients.
Explanation / Answer
I agree to the student’s analysis to an extent that ethical position of utilitarianism and deontology apply to bring more responsibility and professionalism in providing health care. However the role of spirituality in health care is a debatable issue. It is true that medical officers/hospitals and physicians have to see as many patients as possible for economic reasons and therefore time stops them from making deeper connections with the patients at spiritual level. Time is a practical constraint, more when there’s a lack of quality healthcare practitioners. Aside from providing health care services with spirituality, health care providers also have a moral obligation and ethical responsibility as per principle of beneficence and distributive justice to serve the needy and distribute the benefit of health care services among those of need on an equitable basis. If health care providers devote a lot of time in providing medical attention and holistic to a few patients and families while making spiritual connections with them, then there is a risk of ignoring the needs of a vast majority of those who need medical attention. Therefore spiritual aspect should be best left to religious or social organizations and medical and health care practitioners should focus on providing just health care services more professionally, sincerely and ethically. There are lot more qualitative improvements that can be done in health care services, rather than bringing the spiritual element in it.
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