Guinaudeau J, Baier PC, Kühlmeyer K, Borzikowsky C, Terheyden L, Witt VD, Rogge A. [Changes in the routine work and moral distress in psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic : A survey among physicians active in inpatient care in Germany].
DER NERVENARZT 2023;
94:827-834. [PMID:
37405400 PMCID:
PMC10499671 DOI:
10.1007/s00115-023-01499-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
During the COVID-19 pandemic a number of ethical challenges have arisen in the healthcare system. A psychological response to moral challenges is termed moral distress (MD).
OBJECTIVE
Identification of causes of MD in inpatient psychiatric care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A survey was conducted using a self-administered non-validated online questionnaire as part of a cross-sectional study, in which 26 items about the experience of MD were examined and open questions about the handling of the pandemic and its effects on everyday work were posed. Physicians who worked in inpatient psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany were surveyed anonymously with a convenience sample. The data acquisition took place between 17 November 2020 and 6 May 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 141 participants were included. They indicated multiple pandemic-related changes in their daily work partly resulting in MD.
CONCLUSION
MD is a neglected potential burden of inpatient psychiatric care under pandemic conditions (and beyond), which requires further research and an adequate handling. These results include implications for decision makers in crisis teams as well as a need for support services such as clinical ethics consultation services.
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