Scenario
A child was brought into the office for hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The physician prescribed psychiatric medications as part of the treatment plan. The parents are members of the Church of Scientology and declined psychiatric medications based on their beliefs.
Initial Post
In your initial post address the following prompts and/or questions.
• Explain how a nurse's bias could impact the care of this client.
• Discuss the ethical issues that exist in this scenario.
• Explain how the treatment plan could be modified to include culturally and spiritually appropriate care for this client.
Addressing Bias, Ethics, and Culturally-Sensitive Care in the Context of a Child with Schizophrenia
Introduction
In the scenario presented, a child with schizophrenia is brought to the office for hallucinations, but their parents, who are members of the Church of Scientology, decline the prescribed psychiatric medications based on their beliefs. This situation raises concerns related to a nurse's bias, ethical considerations, and the need for culturally and spiritually appropriate care. In this essay, we will explore these aspects and propose modifications to the treatment plan that can accommodate the family's cultural and spiritual beliefs while ensuring the well-being of the child.
Impact of Nurse Bias on Client Care
A nurse's bias can significantly impact the care of a client, particularly in situations where personal beliefs clash with professional responsibilities. If a nurse holds biases against alternative treatment approaches or religious beliefs, they may approach the situation with preconceived notions and fail to provide unbiased and patient-centered care. In this scenario, if a nurse harbors biases against the parents' religious beliefs, they may overlook opportunities to engage in open and respectful communication, leading to a breakdown in trust and hindering collaborative decision-making.
Ethical Issues in the Scenario
Several ethical issues arise in this scenario that require careful consideration. First, there is a conflict between the parents' religious beliefs and the evidence-based treatment plan recommended by the physician. Balancing respect for religious freedom and the duty to provide appropriate care for the child's mental health is a complex ethical dilemma. Additionally, there may be concerns about the child's best interests and their right to receive adequate treatment. Nurses need to navigate these ethical dilemmas by upholding their professional obligations while respecting the rights and beliefs of the parents.
Culturally and Spiritually Appropriate Care
To ensure culturally and spiritually appropriate care for this client, modifications to the treatment plan should be considered. Here are some suggestions:
Open Dialogue: Initiate an open and respectful dialogue with the parents to understand their religious beliefs and concerns regarding psychiatric medications. This communication should focus on establishing a mutually respectful relationship built on trust and empathy.
Education: Provide comprehensive education to the parents about schizophrenia, its symptoms, potential consequences of untreated or undertreated conditions, and the benefits and possible side effects of psychiatric medications. This education should be tailored to address any misconceptions or concerns based on their religious beliefs.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Engage in shared decision-making with the parents, ensuring that they are active participants in developing the treatment plan. This approach acknowledges their religious beliefs while emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care for the child's well-being.
Explore Alternative Therapies: Explore alternative therapies that align with the parents' religious beliefs and are supported by research. For example, mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises may be integrated into the treatment plan as complementary therapies to support symptom management.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that all healthcare providers involved in the child's care receive cultural sensitivity training to enhance their understanding of religious diversity and enable them to provide respectful and individualized care.
Supportive Resources: Provide information about support groups or community resources that cater to individuals with similar religious beliefs. This can help the parents connect with others who have navigated similar challenges, facilitating emotional support and shared experiences.
Conclusion
In caring for a child with schizophrenia whose parents decline psychiatric medications based on their religious beliefs, nurses must approach the situation with cultural sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of ethical considerations. By recognizing and addressing their biases, nurses can provide unbiased care that respects religious freedom while advocating for the child's best interests. Engaging in open dialogue, providing education, practicing shared decision-making, exploring alternative therapies, and ensuring cultural sensitivity are essential steps in modifying the treatment plan to include culturally and spiritually appropriate care. By doing so, nurses can foster collaborative relationships with patients and families while promoting optimal mental health outcomes within a framework of respect and cultural competency.