The Role of Worldview in Moral Case Deliberation: Visions and Experiences of Group Facilitators

Benita Spronk,Hans Alma,Guy Widdershoven

doi:10.1007/s10943-021-01246-1

Benita Spronk, Hans Alma + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01246-1

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Abstract

This study investigates the role of worldview in moral case deliberation (MCD). MCD is a form of clinical ethics support which aims to assist caregivers in reflection on moral dilemmas, experienced in daily practice. Bioethicists acknowledge that existential and religious aspects must be taken into account in the analysis of ethical questions, but it remains unclear how these elements are addressed in clinical ethics support. We investigated how facilitators of MCD address worldview in MCD. MCD facilitation is often done by spiritual caregivers, but not in their role as spiritual caregiver. Discussing worldview is no standard part of the procedure in MCD. This study was qualitative, focusing on the views and experiences of the facilitators of MCD. Semi-structured interviews (N = 12) were conducted with facilitators of MCD. Grounded theory was used for analysis. The results show that worldview plays both an explicit and an implicit role in the MCD process. The explicit role concerns the religious beliefs of patients and professionals. This calls for avoiding stereotyping and devoting attention to different visions. The implicit role comes to the fore in addressing core values and spiritual fulfillment. In order to clarify the fundamental nature of values, more explicit attention for worldview might be useful during MCD. However, this should be done with caution as the term ‘worldview’ might be interpreted by participants in terms of religious and personal beliefs, rather than as an invitation to reflect on one’s view of the good life as a whole.

Highlights

To what extent can moral case deliberation (MCD) help them make those decisions? We investigate the role of MCD in dealing with tragic situations by looking at harm, worldview and emotions
The first category is concerned with the explicit role of worldview within MCD
In order to clarify the fundamental nature of values, more explicit attention for worldview might be useful during MCD and contribute to the deliberation

Summary

Introduction

Reflection on underlying values and norms is important in order to be able to make responsible choices This reflection takes place in moral case deliberation. Bioethicists acknowledge the importance of worldview in clinical ethics support, both in a general sense (Kørup et al, 2018; Mustafa, 2014; Turner, 2003; White et al, 2018) and in specific areas (Bandini et al, 2017; Mathieu, 2016; Mohamed & Noor, 2014). They emphasize that existential and religious aspects must be taken into account in the analysis of ethical questions in clinical practice. It remains unclear how these elements are, or should be, addressed by those involved in clinical ethics support

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