Discussion
Physicians and healthcare workers sometimes face the challenge of delivering bad news to patients. According to Monden, Gentry, and Cox (2016), any news that can negatively or drastically change how a patient views his or her future is critical and should be communicated effectively. In my line of work, I have a patient for whom I have conducted laboratory test which has confirmed that he is suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of the obstacles I face is that I am not aware of his faith or worldview. From a faith-based and ethical perspective, I plan to break the somber message to the client through a family-centered approach.
Being a Christian myself, I understand the role family plays in providing emotional, physical, and financial support to such patients. Therefore, I will convey the message in a way that demonstrates empathy, without focusing on emotions, to give hope and yield patient satisfaction. The plan will progress in phases, taking note of preparation, sensitivity to patient needs, cultural and religious values, as well as time. I will utilize Rabow and Mcphee model referred to as ABCDE for delivering bad news (Monden et al., 2016). A for Advance preparation, B for building a relationship, C stands for good communication, D for dealing with reactions, and E for encouraging emotions. According to Tettey et al. (2016), educating patients about the causes of CVD, such as lifestyle choices, nutrition, and genetics, helps in its control.
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Response to Peers
Although both religion and health seek to improve the individual, sometimes they have confrontational values. One of the most perplexing situations for a practitioner is when their professional values are conflicting with their faith. The quality of care can be impacted, especially when there is a case of differing beliefs between the caregiver and the patient. I agree with the assertion that faith is a powerful tool that goes beyond medicine and science to improve healthcare outcomes. This is because spiritual beliefs play a role in the development of conditions and manifestation of symptoms in many patients.
Practitioners should be aware that religious practices have a significant effect on how patients deal with illness and death. I recommend that more studies be carried out on how conscience and faith play a role in medicine. For instance, in a medical context, do people who share the same faith practice its principles differently? More research should also be carried out on the role of hospital chaplains in the improvement of patient outcomes.
References
Monden, K., Gentry, L., & Cox, T. (2016). Delivering bad news to patients. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings , 29 (1), 101-102.
Tettey, M., Tamatey, M., & Edwin, F. (2016). Cardiothoracic surgical experience in Ghana. Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy , 6 (1), 64-73.
