Description
Please respond to discussion below using current APA edition and 2 scholarly references. Must be at least 150 words. In this scenario, the family of a child with an acute upper respiratory infection believes that natural therapy is the best option. As a physician, we are to listen and honor the families wishes but also educate the family with possible treatments and effects from not treating the child. The importance of educating a family and the child is crucial. The patient’s family might not understand the severity of the diagnosis and might think that it is treated the same as the common colds that go around. An acute respiratory infection may interfere with normal breathing and are particularly dangerous for individuals with disorders of the immune system, older adults, and children. The symptoms can include body aches, fatigue, sore throat, as well as cough, congestion, and runny nose.The potential tensions highlighted in the case include parents’ responsibility and societal and professional protection of vulnerable children. The question is how the beliefs can be transitioned smoothly into treatment. The natural stewards and guardians of children are their parents. According to Burns et al. (2017), society permits wide latitude in parents’ authority in caring for and raising their children. However, it may step in and override parental decisions if they involve neglect, especially medical negligence. In the case study, the physician’s societal obligation governed by professional standards is to educate the parents about the imminent danger to the child. Lack of understanding hinders the parents from seeking proper clinical intervention because they are unaware of the acute condition of the child. The family cares about the child’s health, but the personal principles are against those of the medical community.Alternatively, encouraging the family to accept the treatment can be done by introducing a neighboring hospital physician. Parents may think that the current advice is misguided and hearing it from new medical personnel may help. Fitzgerald(2017) states that some natural therapies are effective if they are combined with prescribed medications. Therefore, the physician may educate and acknowledge the family for using natural therapy but encourage them to accept treatment for better outcomes. The final approach is including child services in the discussion. Denying treatment for an illness as fatal as the acute respiratory infection is a clear indication of parents’ neglect. The department should not use force to get the parents to comply, but they may outline the legal implications that may befall the family if treatment is not sought immediately. After weighing the options, the family may decide to accept alternative therapy. It is the last resort after consultation with physicians and members of the community.In summary, incorporating family beliefs into treatment should not be denied but instead encouraged and used in conjunction for a better outcome for the child. The physician solely purpose is to educate and make sure the child gets the best and safest treatment possible. Further, including other physicians is the best way of showing parents that there is a need for treatment. Finally, the authorities should be consulted as the last resort if the family is still adamant about seeking medical help.
