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Oelhafen S, Monteverde S, Trachsel M. Overestimating prevalence? Rethinking boundaries and confounders of moral distress. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241253233. [PMID: 38780231 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241253233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Moral distress denotes a negative reaction to a morally challenging situation. It has been associated with adverse outcomes for healthcare professionals, patients and healthcare institutions. We argue that existing definitions, along with measures of moral distress, compromise the validity of empirical research. First, the definition and measurement of moral distress conflate moral events and psychological distress, even though they are distinct phenomena that should be assessed independently. Second, in many studies, there is a lack of clarity in distinguishing between moral and non-moral events. Finally, prior research on moral distress often overlooks the substantial body of evidence demonstrating the impact of diverse work-related factors, beyond moral events, on both distress and job retention. These challenges might undermine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at alleviating moral distress. We outline a comprehensive research agenda that encompasses conceptual clarifications, the refinement of data collection instruments, the design of studies and the application of appropriate statistical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Settimio Monteverde
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB), University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Geriatric University Hospital Felix Platter Basel, and University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Thomas TA, Kumar S, Davis FD, Boedeker P, Thammasitboon S. Structural Equation Modeling Analysis on Associations of Moral Distress and Dimensions of Organizational Culture in Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study of Healthcare Professionals. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2024; 15:120-132. [PMID: 38165288 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2023.2297922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Moral distress is a complex phenomenon experienced by healthcare professionals. This study examined the relationships between key dimensions of Organizational Culture in Healthcare (OCHC)-perceived psychological safety, ethical climate, patient safety-and healthcare professionals' perception of moral distress. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Pediatric and adult critical care medicine, and adult hospital medicine healthcare professionals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Physicians (n = 260), nurses (n = 256), and advanced practice providers (n = 110) participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Three dimensions of OCHC were measured using validated questionnaires: Olson's Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Safety Culture Survey, and Edmondson's Team Psychological Safety Survey. The perception of moral distress was measured using the Moral Distress Amidst a Pandemic Survey. The hypothesized relationships between various dimensions were tested with structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS Adequate model fit was achieved in the SEM: a root-mean-square error of approximation =0.072 (90% CI 0.069 to 0.075), standardized root mean square residual = 0.056, and comparative fit index =0.926. Perceived psychological safety (β= -0.357, p <.001) and patient safety culture (β = -0.428, p<.001) were negatively related to moral distress experience. There was no significant association between ethical climate and moral distress (β = 0.106, p = 0.319). Ethical Climate, however, was highly correlated with Patient Safety Culture (factor correlation= 0.82). CONCLUSIONS We used structural equation model to test a theoretical model of multi-dimensional organizational culture and healthcare climate (OCHC) and moral distress.Significant associations were found, supporting mitigating strategies to optimize psychological safety and patient safety culture to address moral distress among healthcare professionals. Future initiatives and studies should account for key dimensions of OCHC with multi-pronged targets to preserve the moral well-being of individuals, teams, and organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy A Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
- Center for Bioethics & Decision Sciences, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Shelley Kumar
- Center for Research, Innovation and Scholarship in Health Professions Education, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - F Daniel Davis
- Center for Bioethics & Decision Sciences, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Peter Boedeker
- Department of Education, Innovation and Technology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Satid Thammasitboon
- Center for Research, Innovation and Scholarship in Health Professions Education, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Miller PH, Epstein EG, Smith TB, Welch TD, Smith M, Bail JR. Critical care nurse leaders' moral distress: A qualitative descriptive study. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241238347. [PMID: 38476080 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241238347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unit-based critical care nurse leaders (UBCCNL) play a role in exemplifying ethical leadership, addressing moral distress, and mitigating contributing factors to moral distress on their units. Despite several studies examining the experience of moral distress by bedside nurses, knowledge is limited regarding the UBCCNL's experience. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Alabama UBCCNLs regarding how they experience, cope with, and address moral distress. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative descriptive design and inductive thematic analysis guided the investigation. A screening and demographics questionnaire and a semi-structured interview protocol were the tools of data collection. PARTICIPANT AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Data were collected from 10 UBCCNLs from seven hospitals across the state of Alabama from February to July 2023. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Informed consent was obtained from participants prior to data collection. FINDINGS UBCCNLs experience moral distress frequently due to a variety of systemic and organizational barriers. Feelings of powerlessness tended to precipitate moral distress among UBCCNLs. Despite moral distress resulting in increased advocacy and empathy, UBCCNLs may experience a variety of negative responses resulting from moral distress. UBCCNLs may utilize internal and external mechanisms to cope with and address moral distress. CONCLUSIONS The UBCCNL's experience of moral distress is not dissimilar from bedside staff; albeit, moral distress does occur as a result of the responsibilities of leadership and the associated systemic barriers that UBCCNLs are privier to. When organizations allocate resources for addressing moral distress, they should be convenient to leaders and staff. The UBCCNL perspective should be considered in the development of future moral distress measurement tools and interventions. Future research exploring the relationship between empathy and moral distress among nurse leaders is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preston H Miller
- University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing; The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
| | | | - Todd B Smith
- The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
| | | | - Miranda Smith
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing
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Nazarov A, Forchuk CA, Houle SA, Hansen KT, Plouffe RA, Liu JJW, Dempster KS, Le T, Kocha I, Hosseiny F, Heesters A, Richardson JD. Exposure to moral stressors and associated outcomes in healthcare workers: prevalence, correlates, and impact on job attrition. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2306102. [PMID: 38334695 PMCID: PMC10860421 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2306102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) often experience morally challenging situations in their workplaces that may contribute to job turnover and compromised well-being. This study aimed to characterize the nature and frequency of moral stressors experienced by HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, examine their influence on psychosocial-spiritual factors, and capture the impact of such factors and related moral stressors on HCWs' self-reported job attrition intentions.Methods: A sample of 1204 Canadian HCWs were included in the analysis through a web-based survey platform whereby work-related factors (e.g. years spent working as HCW, providing care to COVID-19 patients), moral distress (captured by MMD-HP), moral injury (captured by MIOS), mental health symptomatology, and job turnover due to moral distress were assessed.Results: Moral stressors with the highest reported frequency and distress ratings included patient care requirements that exceeded the capacity HCWs felt safe/comfortable managing, reported lack of resource availability, and belief that administration was not addressing issues that compromised patient care. Participants who considered leaving their jobs (44%; N = 517) demonstrated greater moral distress and injury scores. Logistic regression highlighted burnout (AOR = 1.59; p < .001), moral distress (AOR = 1.83; p < .001), and moral injury due to trust violation (AOR = 1.30; p = .022) as significant predictors of the intention to leave one's job.Conclusion: While it is impossible to fully eliminate moral stressors from healthcare, especially during exceptional and critical scenarios like a global pandemic, it is crucial to recognize the detrimental impacts on HCWs. This underscores the urgent need for additional research to identify protective factors that can mitigate the impact of these stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nazarov
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Callista A. Forchuk
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Stephanie A. Houle
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Research Directorate, Veteran Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Kevin T. Hansen
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Rachel A. Plouffe
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jenny J. W. Liu
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Kylie S. Dempster
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Tri Le
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Ilyana Kocha
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
| | | | - Ann Heesters
- Department of Clinical and Organizational Ethics, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- The Institute for Education Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- The Michener Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - J. Don Richardson
- MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- St. Joseph’s Operational Stress Injury Clinic, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, London, Canada
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Usset TJ, Stratton RG, Knapp S, Schwartzman G, Yadav SK, Schaefer BJ, Harris JI, Fitchett G. Factors Associated With Healthcare Clinician Stress and Resilience: A Scoping Review. J Healthc Manag 2024; 69:12-28. [PMID: 38175533 DOI: 10.1097/jhm-d-23-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
GOAL Clinician stress and resilience have been the subjects of significant research and interest in the past several decades. We aimed to understand the factors that contribute to clinician stress and resilience in order to appropriately guide potential interventions. METHODS We conducted a scoping review (n = 42) of published reviews of research on clinician distress and resilience using the methodology of Peters and colleagues (2020). Our team examined these reviews using the National Academy of Medicine's framework for clinician well-being and resilience. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We found that organizational factors, learning/practice environment, and healthcare responsibilities were three of the top four factors identified in the reviews as contributing to clinician distress. Learning/practice environment and organizational factors were two of the top four factors identified in the reviews as contributing to their resilience. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Clinicians continue to face numerous external challenges that complicate their work. Further research, practice, and policy changes are indicated to improve practice environments for healthcare clinicians. Healthcare leaders need to promote resources for organizational and system-level changes to improve clinician well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Usset
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and VA Maine Health Care System, Augusta, Maine
| | | | - Sarah Knapp
- Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gabrielle Schwartzman
- The School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | | | - J Irene Harris
- VA Maine Health Care System, Augusta, Maine, and Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
| | - George Fitchett
- Department of Religion, Health and Human Values, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract
While various definitions of moral distress have been proposed, some agreement exists that it results from illegitimate constraints in clinical practice affecting healthcare professionals' moral agency. If we are to reduce moral distress, instruments measuring it should provide relevant information about such illegitimate constraints. Unfortunately, existing instruments fail to do so. We discuss here several shortcomings of major instruments in use: their inability to determine whether reports of moral distress involve an accurate assessment of the requisite clinical and logistical facts in play, whether the distress in question is aptly characterized as moral, and whether the moral distress reported is an appropriate target of elimination. Such failures seriously limit the ability of empirical work on moral distress to foster appropriate change.
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McBride S, Alexander GL, Baernholdt M, Vugrin M, Epstein B. Scoping review: Positive and negative impact of technology on clinicians. Nurs Outlook 2023; 71:101918. [PMID: 36801609 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2023.101918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unnecessary electronic health record (EHRs) documentation burden and usability issues have negatively impacted clinician well-being (e.g., burnout and moral distress). PURPOSE This scoping review was conducted by members from three expert panels of the American Academy of Nurses to generate consensus on the evidence of both positive and negative impact of EHRs on clinicians. METHODS The scoping review was conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. RESULTS The scoping review captured 1,886 publications screened against title and abstract 1,431 excluded, examined 448 in a full-text review, excluded 347 with 101 studies informing the final review. DISCUSSION Findings suggest few studies that have explored the positive impact of EHRs and more studies that have explored the clinician's satisfaction and work burden. Significant gaps were identified in associating distress to use of EHRs and minimal studies on EHRs' impact on nurses. CONCLUSION Examined the evidence of HIT's positive and negative impacts on clinician's practice, clinicians work environment, and if psychological impact differed among clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan McBride
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX.
| | | | | | | | - Beth Epstein
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA
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Fiester A. Reducing Moral Distress by Teaching Healthcare Providers the Concepts of Values Pluralism and Values Imposition. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2023; 34:296-306. [PMID: 37991731 DOI: 10.1086/727437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThere is a clear need for interventions that reduce moral distress among healthcare providers (HCPs), given the high prevalence of moral distress and the far-ranging negative consequences it has for them. Healthcare ethics consultants are frequently called upon to manage moral distress, especially among nursing staff. Recently, researchers have both broadened the definition of moral distress and demarcated subcategories of the phenomenon with the intent of creating more targeted and effective interventions. One of the most frequently occurring subcategories of moral distress in this new taxonomy has been labeled "moral-constraint distress," though scholars have argued that not all constraints on HCPs' moral agency are inappropriate given the often-competing healthcare values of patients, families, and clinical staff. To attempt to reduce the instances of moral distress in cases in which the constraints on HCPs' moral agency are justified, we propose an intervention that focuses on shifting the HCPs' "frame of reference" on moral-constraint distress, teaching HCPs how to distinguish unjustified and justified constraints on their moral agency. The anchors of this blueprint for reducing moral-constraint distress are the philosophical concepts of "values pluralism" and "values imposition." The rationale for this intervention is that, in situations where the constraint on moral agency is justified but the experience of moral distress could nevertheless be severe, the emphasis needs to be on helping the HCP to "think differently" rather than "act differently."
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Cramer E, Smith J, Rogowski J, Lake E. Measuring moral distress in nurses during a pandemic: Development and validation of the COVID‐MDS. Res Nurs Health 2022; 45:549-558. [PMID: 35869944 PMCID: PMC9349918 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic created novel patient care circumstances that may have increased nurses' moral distress, including COVID‐19 transmission risk and end‐of‐life care without family present. Well‐established moral distress instruments do not capture these novel aspects of pandemic nursing care. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the COVID‐19 Moral Distress Scale (COVID‐MDS), which was designed to provide a short MDS that includes both general and COVID‐19‐specific content. Researcher‐developed COVID‐19 items were evaluated for content validity by six nurse ethicist experts. This study comprised a pilot phase and a validation phase. The pilot sample comprised 329 respondents from inpatient practice settings and the emergency department in two academic medical centers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the pilot data. The EFA results were tested in a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the validation data. The validation sample comprised 5042 nurses in 107 hospitals throughout the United States. Construct validity was evaluated through CFA and known groups comparisons. Reliability was assessed by the omega coefficient from the CFA and Cronbach's alpha. A two‐factor CFA model had good model fit and strong loadings, providing evidence of a COVID‐19‐specific dimension of moral distress. Reliability for both the general and COVID‐19‐specific moral distress subscales was satisfactory. Known groups comparisons identified statistically significant correlations as theorized. The COVID‐MDS is a valid and reliable short tool for measuring moral distress in nurses including both broad systemic sources and COVID‐19 specific sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cramer
- Health Services and Outcomes Research Children's Mercy Research Institute Kansas City Missouri USA
| | - Jessica Smith
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation Department of Undergraduate Nursing University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Jeanette Rogowski
- Department of Health Policy and Administration Pennsylvania State University State College Pennsylvania USA
| | - Eileen Lake
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, School of Nursing, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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Johnstone R, Edwards P. Supporting nurse leaders to recognise and mitigate the effects of moral injury. Nurs Manag (Harrow) 2022; 30:e2067. [PMID: 36128731 DOI: 10.7748/nm.2022.e2067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The concept of moral injury has been around for several decades, yet its effect on nurses remains under-recognised. Moral injury is defined as the biopsychosocial harm that arises from a violation of one's moral code, meaning that a person is powerless to uphold and enact what they believe is morally right. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the issue of moral injury into focus because many nurses and other healthcare professionals have encountered potentially morally injurious events, resulting in increased pressure and emotional demands. It is essential that nurse leaders recognise moral injury if its effects are to be addressed. This article describes moral injury and its effects on nurses, and offers nurse leaders a practical framework for mitigating this issue. The framework aims to support nurse leaders to increase their understanding of moral injury, address any ethical challenges, ensure they are adequately prepared to provide support to nurses, and enhance their awareness of various interventions that can mitigate moral injury.
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Quek CWN, Ong RRS, Wong RSM, Chan SWK, Chok AKL, Shen GS, Teo AYT, Panda A, Burla N, Wong YA, Chee RCH, Loh CYL, Lee KW, Tan GHN, Leong REJ, Koh NSY, Ong YT, Chin AMC, Chiam M, Lim C, Zhou XJ, Ong SYK, Ong EK, Krishna LKR. Systematic scoping review on moral distress among physicians. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064029. [PMID: 36691160 PMCID: PMC9442489 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concepts of moral distress (MD) among physicians have evolved and extend beyond the notion of psychological distress caused by being in a situation in which one is constrained from acting on what one knows to be right. With many accounts involving complex personal, professional, legal, ethical and moral issues, we propose a review of current understanding of MD among physicians. METHODS A systematic evidence-based approach guided systematic scoping review is proposed to map the current concepts of MD among physicians published in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS, ERIC and Google Scholar databases. Concurrent and independent thematic and direct content analysis (split approach) was conducted on included articles to enhance the reliability and transparency of the process. The themes and categories identified were combined using the jigsaw perspective to create domains that form the framework of the discussion that follows. RESULTS A total of 30 156 abstracts were identified, 2473 full-text articles were reviewed and 128 articles were included. The five domains identified were as follows: (1) current concepts, (2) risk factors, (3) impact, (4) tools and (5) interventions. CONCLUSIONS Initial reviews suggest that MD involves conflicts within a physician's personal beliefs, values and principles (personal constructs) caused by personal, ethical, moral, contextual, professional and sociocultural factors. How these experiences are processed and reflected on and then integrated into the physician's personal constructs impacts their self-concepts of personhood and identity and can result in MD. The ring theory of personhood facilitates an appreciation of how new experiences create dissonance and resonance within personal constructs. These insights allow the forwarding of a new broader concept of MD and a personalised approach to assessing and treating MD. While further studies are required to test these findings, they offer a personalised means of supporting a physician's MD and preventing burn-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystie Wan Ning Quek
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Rui Song Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ruth Si Man Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sarah Wye Kit Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amanda Kay-Lyn Chok
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Shen Shen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea York Tiang Teo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Aiswarya Panda
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Neha Burla
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu An Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Choon Hoe Chee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caitlin Yuen Ling Loh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kun Woo Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gabrielle Hui Ning Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryan Emmanuel Jian Leong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natalie Song Yi Koh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Ting Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Min Chiam
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Crystal Lim
- Medical Social Services, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Xuelian Jamie Zhou
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Simon Yew Kuang Ong
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eng Koon Ong
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Palliative Care Institute Liverpool, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Centre of Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore
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Moral Distress in Healthcare Providers Who Take Care of Critical Pediatric Patients throughout Italy-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Pediatric Instrument. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073880. [PMID: 35409562 PMCID: PMC8997869 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although Moral Distress (MD) is a matter of concern within the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), there is no validated Italian instrument for measuring the phenomenon in nurses and physicians who care for pediatric patients in Intensive Care. The authors of the Italian Moral Distress Scale-Revised (Italian MDS-R), validated for the adult setting, in 2017, invited further research to evaluate the generalizability of the scale to clinicians working in other fields. Our study aims to reduce this knowledge gap by developing and validating the pediatric version of the Italian MDS-R. Methods: We evaluated the new instrument for construct validity, then we administered it in a multicenter, web-based survey that involved healthcare providers of three PICUs and three adult ICUs admitting children in northern, central, and southern Italy. Finally, we tested it for internal consistency, confirmatory factorial validity, convergent validity, and differences between groups analysis. Results: The 14-item, three-factor model best fit the data. The scale showed good reliability (a = 0.87). Still, it did not correlate with the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization sub-scales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) or with the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 2) or the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A mild correlation was found between the Italian Pediatric MDS-R score and intention to resign from the job. No correlation was found between MD and years of experience. Females, nurses, and clinicians who cared for COVID-19 patients had a higher MD score. Conclusions: The Italian Pediatric MDS-R is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring MD among Italian health workers who care for critically ill children. Further research would be helpful in better investigating its applicability to the heterogeneous scenario of Italian Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.
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Abstract
Moral distress has been well reviewed in the literature with established deleterious side effects for all healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and others. Yet, little is known about the quality and effectiveness of interventions directed to address moral distress. The aim of this integrative review is to analyze published intervention studies to determine their efficacy and applicability across hospital settings. Of the initial 1373 articles discovered in October 2020, 18 were appraised as relevant, with 1 study added by hand search and 2 after a repeated search was completed in January and then in May of 2021, for a total of 22 reviewed articles. This review revealed data mostly from nurses, with some studies making efforts to include other healthcare professions who have experienced moral distress. Education-based interventions showed the most success, though many reported limited power and few revealed statistically lowered moral distress post intervention. This may point to the difficulty in adequately addressing moral distress in real time without adequate support systems. Ultimately, these studies suggest potential frameworks which, when bolstered by organization-wide support, may aid in moral distress interventions making a measurable impact.
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14
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Bradshaw A, Dunleavy L, Garner I, Preston N, Bajwah S, Cripps R, Fraser LK, Maddocks M, Hocaoglu M, Murtagh FE, Oluyase AO, Sleeman KE, Higginson IJ, Walshe C. Experiences of staff providing specialist palliative care during COVID-19: a multiple qualitative case study. J R Soc Med 2022; 115:220-230. [PMID: 35133216 PMCID: PMC9158238 DOI: 10.1177/01410768221077366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the experiences of, and impact on, staff working in palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Qualitative multiple case study using semi-structured interviews between November 2020 and April 2021 as part of the CovPall study. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis. Setting Organisations providing specialist palliative services in any setting. Participants Staff working in specialist palliative care, purposefully sampled by the criteria of role, care setting and COVID-19 experience. Main outcome measures Experiences of working in palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Five cases and 24 participants were recruited (n = 12 nurses, 4 clinical managers, 4 doctors, 2 senior managers, 1 healthcare assistant, 1 allied healthcare professional). Central themes demonstrate how infection control constraints prohibited and diluted participants’ ability to provide care that reflected their core values, resulting in experiences of moral distress. Despite organisational, team and individual support strategies, continually managing these constraints led to a ‘crescendo effect’ in which the impacts of moral distress accumulated over time, sometimes leading to burnout. Solidarity with colleagues and making a valued contribution provided ‘moral comfort’ for some. Conclusions This study provides a unique insight into why and how healthcare staff have experienced moral distress during the pandemic, and how organisations have responded. Despite their experience of dealing with death and dying, the mental health and well-being of palliative care staff was affected by the pandemic. Organisational, structural and policy changes are urgently required to mitigate and manage these impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Bradshaw
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Lesley Dunleavy
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, LA1 4AT, UK
| | - Ian Garner
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, LA1 4AT, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, LA1 4AT, UK
| | - Sabrina Bajwah
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Rachel Cripps
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Lorna K Fraser
- Martin House Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Mevhibe Hocaoglu
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Fliss Em Murtagh
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Adejoke O Oluyase
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Katherine E Sleeman
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Irene J Higginson
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - Catherine Walshe
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, LA1 4AT, UK
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15
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Marcellus L, Pauly B, Martin W, Revai T, Easton K, MacDonald M. Navigating conflicting value systems: a grounded theory of the process of public health equity work in the context of mental health promotion and prevention of harms of substance use. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:210. [PMID: 35100999 PMCID: PMC8805448 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12627-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoting health equity and reducing heath inequities is a foundational aim and ethical imperative in public health. There has been limited attention to and research on the ethical issues inherent in promoting health equity and reducing health inequities that public health practitioners experience in their work. The aim of the study was to explore how public health providers identified and navigated ethical issues and their management related to promoting health equity within services focused on mental health promotion and preventing harms of substance use. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with 32 public health practitioners who provided public-health oriented services related to mental health promotion and prevention of substance use harms (e.g. harm reduction) in one Canadian province. RESULTS Participants engaged in the basic social process of navigating conflicting value systems. In this process, they came to recognize a range of ethically challenging situations related to health equity within a system that held values in conflict with health equity. The extent to which practitioners recognized, made sense of, and acted on these fundamental challenges was dependent on the degree to which they had developed a critical public health consciousness. Ethically challenging situations had impacts for practitioners, most importantly, the experiences of responding emotionally to ethical issues and the experience of living in dissonance when working to navigate ethical issues related to promoting health equity in their practice within a health system based in biomedical values. CONCLUSIONS There is an immediate need for practice-oriented tools for recognizing ethical dilemmas and supporting ethical decision making related to health equity in public health practice in the context of mental health promotion and prevention of harms of substance use. An increased focus on understanding public health ethical issues and working collaboratively and reflexively to address the complexity of equity work has the potential to strengthen equity strategies and improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenora Marcellus
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Bernie Pauly
- School of Nursing and Scientist, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Wanda Martin
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Science Building - 1A10, Box 6, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Tina Revai
- First Nations Health Authority, 501-100 Park Royal South Coast Salish Territory, West Vancouver, BC V7T-1A2, Canada
| | - Kathy Easton
- Island Health, 345 Wale Rd, Victoria, BC, V9B 6X2, Canada
| | - Marjorie MacDonald
- School of Nursing, and Scientist, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, Canada
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16
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Malliarou M, Nikolentzos A, Papadopoulos D, Bekiari T, Sarafis P. ICU Nurse's Moral Distress as an Occupational Hazard Threatening Professional Quality of Life in the Time of Pandemic COVID 19. Mater Sociomed 2021; 33:88-93. [PMID: 34483734 PMCID: PMC8385730 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2021.33.88-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Moral distress is an unpleasant feeling that arises when one is forced to behave in such a way that it violates one’s personal beliefs and values about what is right and what is wrong. Moral distress, unlike other forms of distress, contains an incompatible conflict between one’s personal moral limitations and the acts that accompany it. Objective: to investigate moral distress and its effects on the ICU nursing staff, their professional quality of life as well as, related factors. Methods: The total sample of this cross-sectional study comprised of 258 ICU nurses working in reference hospitals for COVID 19 recruited online using google forms. The study tools are: a) “Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP)” to assess intensity and frequency of moral distress b) “Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5)” to assess professional quality of life. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25,0 (IBM Analytics, IBM Software Group Statistical Package). Results: Overall MMD-HP score ranged from 3 to 262 with a mean score of 116.52 (SD= 68.56). Distress score ranged from 5 to 79 with a mean score of 43.67 (SD=17.44) while intensity score ranged from 3 to 108 with a mean score 52.04 (SD=22.69). Bivariate analysis showed there is a statistically significant positive correlation between the intensity of moral distress and overall moral distress score with years of service in ICU and age. Nurses’ Assistants (m=48.1 p=0.021) scored higher than Registered nurses in distress and intensity score (m=54.1 p=0.020) while female also scored higher in overall MMD-HP (m=121.2 p=0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, showed that secondary trauma scale was independently associated with a higher distress scale score and a higher MMD-HP. Conclusion: Educational support that provide information about dealing with moral distress during the coronavirus pandemic and how ICU nurses should deal with ethical issues that may confront in the everyday professional life is essential. Hospitals should monitor moral distress and there should be workshops that could build moral resilience and maintain high professional quality of life.
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17
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Abstract
Moral distress occurs when moral integrity is compromised and can affect any healthcare professional. This study examined the impact of Schwartz Center Rounds (SCRs) on moral distress using a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design to examine SCR attendees from 2015 to 2019. Data were collected via a 2-part survey composed of demographics and Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT) readings before rounds and immediately after rounds. Most participants experienced either no change in moral distress (50.6%) or a decrease in moral distress (33.7%) after attending one of the SCRs. Participants who worked with adult populations had higher moral distress after participation for most topics. An increase in moral distress was associated with a longer time in the current position. Fifty percent of the physicians had a decrease in their moral distress immediately after the rounds. Schwartz Center Rounds is a promising approach to foster high-functioning teams while promoting wellness and mitigating moral distress among employees.
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18
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Pauly B, Revai T, Marcellus L, Martin W, Easton K, MacDonald M. "The health equity curse": ethical tensions in promoting health equity. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1567. [PMID: 34407781 PMCID: PMC8375114 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health (PH) practitioners have a strong moral commitment to health equity and social justice. However, PH values often do not align with health systems values, making it challenging for PH practitioners to promote health equity. In spite of a growing range of PH ethics frameworks and theories, little is known about ethical concerns related to promotion of health equity in PH practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ethical concerns of PH practitioners in promoting health equity in the context of mental health promotion and prevention of harms of substance use. METHODS As part of a broader program of public health systems and services research, we interviewed 32 PH practitioners. RESULTS Using constant comparative analysis, we identified four systemic ethical tensions: [1] biomedical versus social determinants of health agenda; [2] systems driven agendas versus situational care; [3] stigma and discrimination versus respect for persons; and [4] trust and autonomy versus surveillance and social control. CONCLUSIONS Naming these tensions provides insights into the daily ethical challenges of PH practitioners and an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of PH frameworks. These findings highlight the value of relational ethics as a promising approach for developing ethical frameworks for PH practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernie Pauly
- School of Nursing and Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Tina Revai
- Equity Lens in Public Health Project, University of Victoria, Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Lenora Marcellus
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Wanda Martin
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Health Science Building-1A10, Box 6, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Kathy Easton
- Island Health, 345 Wale Rd, Victoria, BC, V9B 6X2, Canada
| | - Marjorie MacDonald
- School of Nursing and Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
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19
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Moral Distress Among Interdisciplinary Critical Care Team Members at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2021; 40:301-307. [PMID: 34398568 DOI: 10.1097/dcc.0000000000000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress (MD) has been linked to health care professional burnout, intent to leave, and decreased quality of care. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of MD among critical care interdisciplinary team members and assess the association of MD with team member characteristics. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with interdisciplinary team members in an intensive care unit setting at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the southeastern United States. The Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals was provided to registered nurses, oncology technicians, providers, respiratory therapists, and ancillary team members (social workers, pharmacists, dietitians). RESULTS A total of 67 team members completed the survey. Mean responses for 3 items were higher than 8 (halfway point of scale): "Follow family's insistence to continue aggressive treatment even though I believe it is not in the best interest of patient" (mean [SD], 11.4 [4.8]); "Continue to provide aggressive treatment for a patient most likely to die regardless of this treatment when no one will make a decision to withdraw it" (mean [SD], 10.5 [5.3]); and "Witness providers giving 'false hope' to patient/family" (mean [SD], 9.0 [5.3]). Higher responses on the "Continuing to provide aggressive treatment" item was associated with having "considered leaving due to MD" (P = .027) and "considering leaving now due to MD" (P = .016). Higher total scores were related to having left or considered leaving a job (P = .04). When examining education level, registered nurses with a master's degree (n = 5) exhibited the most MD (P = .04). CONCLUSION This study suggests that the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals is useful in identifying areas for focused efforts at reducing MD for interdisciplinary teams.
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20
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Gagnon M, Kunyk D. Beyond technology, drips, and machines: Moral distress in PICU nurses caring for end-of-life patients. Nurs Inq 2021; 29:e12437. [PMID: 34157180 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Moral distress is an experience of profound moral compromise with deeply impactful and potentially long-term consequences to the individual. Critical care areas are fraught with ethical issues, and end-of-life care has been associated with numerous incidences of moral distress among nurses. One such area where the dichotomy of life and death seems to be at its sharpest is in the pediatric intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to understand the moral distress experiences of pediatric intensive care nurses when caring for pediatric patients at the end of life. A secondary analysis was undertaken of seven transcripts from registered nurses across six Canadian pediatric intensive care units and produced three themes: under prioritization of child patient dignity, burden of insider knowledge, and environmental constraints on nursing roles and responsibilities. When caring for patients at the end of life, nurses experienced moral distress when a dignified death was not realized. Furthermore, despite interprofessional collaboration efforts in Canada, the concept of silo mentality persists and contributes to moral distress. Organizational involvement is needed to address moral distress in pediatric intensive care nurses both to achieve a dignified death for child patients and in addressing silo mentality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Gagnon
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Diane Kunyk
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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21
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Epstein EG, Haizlip J, Liaschenko J, Zhao D, Bennett R, Marshall MF. Moral Distress, Mattering, and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Provider Burnout: A Call for Moral Community. AACN Adv Crit Care 2021; 31:146-157. [PMID: 32525997 DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Burnout incurs significant costs to health care organizations and professionals. Mattering, moral distress, and secondary traumatic stress are personal experiences linked to burnout and are byproducts of the organizations in which we work. This article conceptualizes health care organizations as moral communities-groups of people united by a common moral purpose to promote the well-being of others. We argue that health care organizations have a fundamental obligation to mitigate and prevent the costs of caring (eg, moral distress, secondary traumatic stress) and to foster a sense of mattering. Well-functioning moral communities have strong support systems, inclusivity, fairness, open communication, and collaboration and are able to protect their members. In this article, we address mattering, moral distress, and secondary traumatic stress as they relate to burnout. We conclude that leaders of moral communities are responsible for implementing systemic changes that foster mattering among its members and attend to the problems that cause moral distress and burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Epstein
- Elizabeth G. Epstein is Associate Professor and Department Chair, University of Virginia School of Nursing; and Associate Professor, School of Medicine Center for Health Humanities and Ethics, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Julie Haizlip
- Julie Haizlip is Clinical Professor of Nursing and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Joan Liaschenko
- Joan Liaschenko is Professor, University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics and School of Nursing, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David Zhao
- David Zhao is an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rachel Bennett
- Rachel Bennett is a doctoral student at University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mary Faith Marshall
- Mary Faith Marshall is Emily Davie and Joseph S. Kornfeld Professor of Biomedical Ethics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Center for Health Humanities and Ethics; and Professor of Nursing, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia
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22
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Kherbache A, Mertens E, Denier Y. Moral distress in medicine: An ethical analysis. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:1971-1990. [PMID: 33938314 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211014586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Moral distress is a negative emotional response that occurs when physicians know the morally correct action but are prevented from taking it because of internal or external constraints. Moral distress undermines a physician's ethical integrity, leading to anger, poor job satisfaction, reduced quality of care and burnout. Scarce literature exists on the ethical aspects of moral distress in medicine. We conducted an ethical analysis of moral distress as experienced by physicians and analysed it from the literature using two predominant ethical theories: principlism and care ethics. Finally, we consider the emergence of moral distress in medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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23
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Silverman HJ, Kheirbek RE, Moscou-Jackson G, Day J. Moral distress in nurses caring for patients with Covid-19. Nurs Ethics 2021; 28:1137-1164. [PMID: 33910406 DOI: 10.1177/09697330211003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress occurs when constraints prevent healthcare providers from acting in accordance with their core moral values to provide good patient care. The experience of moral distress in nurses might be magnified during the current Covid-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To explore causes of moral distress in nurses caring for Covid-19 patients and identify strategies to enhance their moral resiliency. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative study using a qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. We purposively sampled 31 nurses caring for Covid-19 patients in the acute care units within large academic medical systems in Maryland and New York City during April to June 2020. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS We obtained approval from the Institutional Review Board at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. RESULTS We identified themes and sub-themes representative of major causes of moral distress in nurses caring Covid-19 patients. These included (a) lack of knowledge and uncertainty regarding how to treat a new illness; (b) being overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of the Covid-19 illness; (c) fear of exposure to the virus leading to suboptimal care; (d) adopting a team model of nursing care that caused intra-professional tensions and miscommunications; (e) policies to reduce viral transmission (visitation policy and PPE policy) that prevented nurses to assume their caring role; (f) practicing within crisis standards of care; and (g) dealing with medical resource scarcity. Participants discussed their coping mechanisms and suggested future strategies. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Our study affirms new causes of moral distress related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Institutions need to develop a supportive ethical climate that can restore nurses' moral resiliency. Such a climate should include non-hierarchical interdisciplinary spaces where all providers can meet together as moral peers to discuss their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jenni Day
- 1479University of Maryland Medical Center, USA
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24
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Musto L, Schreiber R, Rodney PP. Risking vulnerability: Enacting moral agency in the is/ought gap in mental health care. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:2458-2471. [PMID: 33609062 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore how healthcare providers in acute care mental health settings navigate ethically challenging situations, enact moral agency, practice in congruence with ethical standards and mitigate moral distress (MD). DESIGN Grounded theory, a qualitative methodology. METHODS Over 18 months between 2015 and 2017, we reviewed documents, conducted observations and interviewed multidisciplinary participants (N = 27) from inpatient and emergency departments. Participants either provided direct care (N = 14) or were in leadership positions (N = 13). Data were analysed iteratively using constant comparison, coding, memoing and theorizing, which continued until saturation was reached in July 2016. FINDINGS The basic social process of how healthcare professionals enacted moral agency, Risking Vulnerability, occurred in the context of Systemic Inhumanity, a constant source of MD. Participants Risked Vulnerability, balancing professional obligations, clinical expertise and organizational processes with their own vulnerability in the system as they strove to practice ethically. Risking Vulnerability was composed of Pushing Back, Working Through Team Relationships and Struggling with Inhumanity. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals' moral agency occurred at the nexus of structure (organizational constraints) and agency (persons). Given this, interventions for MD should be directed at all levels of healthcare to support moral agency, promote ethical practice and improve care. IMPACT Sociopolitical elements such as austerity measures undermined ethical practice at the level of direct care. Enactment of moral agency is dynamic, influencing experiences of MD: participants supported by leadership or colleagues to enact moral agency noted that they were not stuck in MD. Interventions supporting moral agency throughout the healthcare system are necessary to mitigate experiences of MD. Findings enhance our understanding of the role of action in the experience of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Musto
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
| | - Rita Schreiber
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Patricia Paddy Rodney
- Faculty Associate, UBC Centre for Applied Ethics, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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25
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Mamdani Z, McKenzie S, Pauly B, Cameron F, Conway-Brown J, Edwards D, Howell A, Scott T, Seguin R, Woodrow P, Buxton JA. "Running myself ragged": stressors faced by peer workers in overdose response settings. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:18. [PMID: 33573661 PMCID: PMC7877312 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00449-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peer workers or “peers” (workers with past or present drug use experience) are at the forefront of overdose response initiatives, and their role is essential in creating safe spaces for people who use drugs (PWUD). Working in overdose response settings has benefits for peer workers but is also stressful, with lasting emotional and mental health effects. Yet, little is known about the stressors peer workers face and what interventions can be implemented to support them in their roles. Methods This project used a community-based sequential mixed-methods research design. Eight peer researcher-led focus groups (n = 31) were conducted between November 2018 and March 2019 to assess needs of peer workers. The transcripts were thematically coded and analysed using interpretative description. These results informed a survey, which was conducted (n = 50) in September 2019 to acquire quantitative data on peer workers’ perception of health, quality of life, working conditions and stressors. Frequency distributions were used to describe characteristics of participants. X2 distribution values with Yates correction were conducted to check for association between variables. Results Five themes emerged from the focus groups that point to stressors felt by peer workers: (1) financial insecurity; (2) lack of respect and recognition at work; (3) housing challenges; (4) inability to access and/or refer individuals to resources; and (5) constant exposure to death and trauma. Consistent with this, the factors that survey participants picked as one of their “top three stressors” included financial situation, work situation, and housing challenges. Conclusion Peer workers are faced with a diversity of stressors in their lives which often reflect societal stigmatization of drug use. Recognition of these systemic stressors is critical in designing interventions to ease the emotional, physical and financial burden faced by peer workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mamdani
- BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Sophie McKenzie
- BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Bernadette Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, STN CSC, University of Victoria, Box 1700, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fred Cameron
- SOLID Outreach Society, 1056 N Park St, Victoria, BC, V8T 1C6, Canada
| | | | - Denice Edwards
- RainCity Housing, 616 Powell St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1H4, Canada
| | - Amy Howell
- SOLID Outreach Society, 1056 N Park St, Victoria, BC, V8T 1C6, Canada
| | - Tracy Scott
- RainCity Housing, 616 Powell St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1H4, Canada
| | - Ryan Seguin
- SOLID Outreach Society, 1056 N Park St, Victoria, BC, V8T 1C6, Canada
| | - Peter Woodrow
- RainCity Housing, 616 Powell St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1H4, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada. .,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Espinoza Suarez NR, Urtecho M, Nyquist CA, Jaramillo C, Yeow ME, Thorsteinsdottir B, Wilson ME, Barwise AK. Consequences of suboptimal communication for patients with limited English proficiency in the intensive care unit and suggestions for a way forward: A qualitative study of healthcare team perceptions. J Crit Care 2021; 61:247-251. [PMID: 33221592 PMCID: PMC8423101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the healthcare team's perceptions of the negative consequences of suboptimal communication and their recommendations to improve communication with patients and families who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of physicians, nurses, and interpreters from 3 ICUs at Mayo Clinic Rochester, between November 2017 and April 2018. RESULTS We identified 5 consequences of suboptimal communication: 1) Suboptimal assessment and treatment of patient symptoms, 2) Unmet patient and family expectations, 3) Decreased patient autonomy, 4) Unmet end of life wishes and 5) Clinician Distress. Recommendations to improve communication include: 1) Education and training for patients,families, clinicians and interpreters, 4) Greater integration of interpreters into the ICU team 5) Standardized timeline for goals of care conversations with patients and families with LEP. CONCLUSIONS Patients with LEP are at risk of experiencing suboptimal communication with the healthcare team in the ICU. There are several educational and quality improvement strategies that ICUs and institutions can take to mitigate these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly R Espinoza Suarez
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit (KER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Meritxell Urtecho
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit (KER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Christina A Nyquist
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, MN, United States of America.
| | - Carolina Jaramillo
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mei-Ean Yeow
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Bjorg Thorsteinsdottir
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit (KER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Michael E Wilson
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit (KER), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Amelia K Barwise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
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"The hardest job you will ever love": Nurse recruitment, retention, and turnover in the Nurse-Family Partnership program in British Columbia, Canada. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237028. [PMID: 32898142 PMCID: PMC7478534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nurse turnover is a significant issue and complex challenge for all healthcare sectors and is exacerbated by a global nursing shortage. Nurse-Family Partnership is a community health program for first-time pregnant and parenting girls and young women living in situations of social and economic disadvantage. In Canada, this program is delivered exclusively by public health nurses and only within a research context. The aim of this article is to explore and describe factors that contribute to recruitment, retention, and turnover of public health nurses delivering Nurse-Family Partnership in British Columbia, Canada between 2013 and 2018. Methods Interpretive description was used to guide sampling, data collection and analytic decisions in this qualitative component drawn from the British Columbia Healthy Connections Project mixed methods process evaluation. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 28 public health nurses who practiced in and then exited Nurse-Family Partnership. Results Nurses were motivated to join this program because they wanted to deliver an evidence-based program for vulnerable young mothers that fit with their personal and professional philosophies and offered nurse autonomy. Access to program resources attracted nursing staff, while delivering a program that prioritizes maintaining relationships and emphasizes client successes was a positive work experience. Opportunities for ongoing professional development/ education, strong team connections, and working at full-scope of nursing practice were significant reasons for nurses to remain in Nurse-Family Partnership. Personal circumstances (retirement, family/health needs, relocation, career advancement) were the most frequently cited reasons leading to turnover. Other factors included: involuntary reasons, organizational and program factors, and geographical factors. Conclusions Public health organizations that deliver Nurse-Family Partnership may find aspects of job embeddedness theory useful for developing strategies for supporting recruitment and retention and reducing nurse turnover. Hiring nurses who are the right fit for this type of program may be a useful approach to increasing nurse retention. Fostering a culture of connectivity through team development along with supportive and communicative supervision are important factors associated with retention and may decrease turnover. Many involuntary/external factors were specific to being in a study environment. Program, organizational, and geographical factors affecting nurse turnover are modifiable.
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Vincent H, Jones DJ, Engebretson J. Moral distress perspectives among interprofessional intensive care unit team members. Nurs Ethics 2020; 27:1450-1460. [PMID: 32406313 DOI: 10.1177/0969733020916747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine interprofessional healthcare professionals' perceptions of triggers and root causes of moral distress. DESIGN Qualitative description of open-text comments written on the Moral Distress Scale-Revised survey. METHODS A subset of interprofessional providers from a parent study provided open-text comments that originated from four areas of the Moral Distress Scale-Revised, including the margins of the 21-item questionnaire, the designated open-text section, shared perceptions of team communication and dynamics affecting moral distress, and the section addressing an intent to leave a clinical position because of moral distress. Open-text comments were captured, coded, and divided into meaning units and themes using systematic text condensation. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-eight of the 223 parent study participants completing the Moral Distress Scale-Revised shared comments on situations contributing to moral distress. RESULTS All 28 participants working in the four medical center intensive care units reported feelings of moral distress. Feelings of moral distress were associated with professional anguish over patient care decisions, team, and system-level factors. Professional-level contributors reflected clinician concerns of continuing life support measures perceived not in the patient's best interest. Team and unit-level factors were related to poor communication, bullying, and a lack of collegial collaboration. System-level factors included clinicians feeling unsupported by senior administration and institutional culpability as a result of healthcare processes and system constraints impeding reliable patient care delivery. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Texas Health IRB and the organization in which the study was conducted. CONCLUSION Moral distress was associated with feelings of anguish, professional intimidation, and organizational factors that impacted the delivery of ethically based patient care. Participants expressed a sense of awareness that they may experience ethical dilemmas as a consequence of the changing reality of providing healthcare within complex healthcare systems. Strategies to combat moral distress should target team and system interventions designed to improve interprofessional collaboration and support professional ethical values and moral commitments of all healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Vincent
- 6614University of Pittsburgh, USA; The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Deborah J Jones
- 12338The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, USA
| | - Joan Engebretson
- 12340The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
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Ohnishi K, Stone TE, Yoshiike T, Kitaoka K. The role of online ethics consultation on mental health. Nurs Ethics 2020; 27:1261-1269. [PMID: 32323611 DOI: 10.1177/0969733020906596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses experience moral distress when they cannot do what they believe is right or when they must do what they believe is wrong. Given the limited mechanisms for managing ethical issues for nurses in Japan, an Online Ethics Consultation on mental health (OEC) was established open to anyone seeking anonymous consultation on mental health practice. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To report the establishment of the Online Ethics Consultation and describe and evaluate its effectiveness. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESEARCH DESIGN This evaluation describes the outcomes of 5 years of operation of the Online Ethics Consultation on mental health in Japan. PARTICIPANTS The Online Ethics Consultation received 12 emails requesting consultation. Consultees included mental health nurses, psychiatrists, and service users. FINDINGS The most common questions directed to the service were about seclusion and physical restraint. Response time from receipt of email to sending a reply was between 1 and 14 days. Despite the disappointing number of consultations, feedback has been positive. DISCUSSION The Online Ethics Consultation was established to assist morally sensitive nurses in resolving their ethical problems through provision of unbiased and encouraging advice. Mental health care in Japan has been less than ideal: long-term social hospitalization, seclusion, and restraint are common practices that often lead to moral distress in nurses and the questions received reflected this. The head of the Online Ethics Consultation sent a supportive, facilitative response summarizing the opinions of several consultants. CONCLUSION This study provides key information for the establishment of an online ethics resource the adoption of which has the potential to improve the experience of nurses, allied health and clients of mental health services. This paper has implications for services concerned with improving patient care, managing nurses' moral distress, building ethics into decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa E Stone
- Chiang Mai University, Thailand; Yamaguchi University, Japan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify moral distress in neonatal ICU and PICU clinicians and to identify associated factors. DESIGN A national cross-sectional survey of clinicians working in an neonatal ICU or PICU. Moral distress was assessed with the Moral Distress Scale-Revised and by self-rating. Depersonalization was assessed on the subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Respondents reported their attendance at each of six hospital supports that may serve to mitigate moral distress in frontline staff. Analyses compared outcomes across respondent characteristics and hierarchical linear regression evaluated individual, ICU, hospital, and regional effects. SETTING Eligible ICUs were PICUs and level-3 neonatal ICUs in Canada. SUBJECTS Eligible participants had worked in the participating ICU for more than 3 months. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We identified 54 eligible ICUs from 31 hospitals. Forty-nine Canadian neonatal ICUs and PICUs (91%) contributed 2,852 complete responses for a 45.2% response rate. Most respondents were nurses (64.9%) or from a neonatal ICU (66.5%). The median and interquartile range Moral Distress Scale-Revised were 79 (52-113); 997 respondents (34.2%) had Moral Distress Scale-Revised scores greater than or equal to 100, and 234 respondents (8.3%) strongly agreed that work caused them significant moral distress. Nurses had a median (interquartile range) Moral Distress Scale-Revised score of 85 (57-121), 19 points higher than physicians and 8 points higher than respiratory therapists (p < 0.0001). Moral Distress Scale-Revised scores increased from 53 (35-79) for those working in ICU less than 1 year to 83 (54-120) in those working in ICU more than 30 years (p < 0.0001); 22.5% reported high degrees of depersonalization, which was associated with moral distress (p < 0.0001). Variability in Moral Distress Scale-Revised scores was explained by individual-level (92%), hospital-level (5%), and ICU-level effects (1%). Frequency of participation in potentially mitigating hospital supports had small effects (< 10 points) on mean Moral Distress Scale-Revised scores. CONCLUSIONS Moral distress is common in clinicians working in ICUs for children. Addressing moral distress will require interventions tailored to individuals in higher-risk groups.
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Heilman MKD, Trothen TJ. Conscientious objection and moral distress: a relational ethics case study of MAiD in Canada. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 46:123-127. [PMID: 31811013 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conscientious objection has become a divisive topic in recent bioethics publications. Discussion has tended to frame the issue in terms of the rights of the healthcare professional versus the rights of the patient. However, a rights-based approach neglects the relational nature of conscience, and the impact that violating one's conscience has on the care one provides. Using medical assistance in dying as a case study, we suggest that what has been lacking in the discussion of conscientious objection thus far is a recognition and prioritising of the relational nature of ethical decision-making in healthcare and the negative consequences of moral distress that occur when healthcare professionals find themselves in situations in which they feel they cannot provide what they consider to be excellent care. We propose that policies that respect the relational conscience could benefit our healthcare institutions by minimising the negative impact of moral distress, improving communication among team members and fostering a culture of ethical awareness. Constructive responses to moral distress including relational cultivation of moral resilience are urged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy J Trothen
- School of Religion and School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Sanderson C, Sheahan L, Kochovska S, Luckett T, Parker D, Butow P, Agar M. Re-defining moral distress: A systematic review and critical re-appraisal of the argument-based bioethics literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1477750919886088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept of moral distress comes from nursing ethics, and was initially defined as ‘…when one knows the right thing to do, but institutional constraints make it nearly impossible to pursue the right course of action’. There is a large body of literature associated with moral distress, yet multiple definitions now exist, significantly limiting its usefulness. We undertook a systematic review of the argument-based bioethics literature on this topic as the basis for a critical appraisal, identifying 55 papers for analysis. We found that moral distress is most frequently framed around individual experiences of distress in relation to local practices and constraints, and understood in terms of power relations and workplace hierarchies. This understanding is directly derived from, and often still seen as specific to, nursing. Frequently the perspective of the morally distressed individual is privileged. Understandings of moral distress have evolved towards an ‘occupational health approach’, with the assumption that moral distress should be measured and prevented. Counter-perspectives were identified, highlighting conceptual problems. Based on our review, we propose a redefinition of moral distress: ‘Ethical unease or disquiet resulting from a situation where a clinician believes they have contributed to avoidable patient or community harm through their involvement in an action, inaction or decision that conflicts with their own values’. This definition is specific enough for research use, anchored in clinicians’ professional responsibilities and concerns about harms to patients, framed relationally rather than hierarchically, and amenable to multiple perspectives on any given morally distressing situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Sanderson
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda Sheahan
- SE Sydney Local Health District Clinical Ethics Service, Sydney, Australia
| | - Slavica Kochovska
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Luckett
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- Faculty of Health, Aged Care Nursing, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-Making, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- Faculty of Health, ImPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Cleary M, West S, Saghafi F, Lees D, Kornhaber R. Finding Common Ground for the Common Good: Compromise in Health Care. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2019; 40:926-928. [PMID: 31381465 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1643630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , NSW , Australia
| | - Sancia West
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , NSW , Australia
| | - Farida Saghafi
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , NSW , Australia
| | | | - Rachel Kornhaber
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , NSW , Australia
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Marsh W, Robinson A, Shawe J, Gallagher A. Removal of babies at birth and the moral distress of midwives. Nurs Ethics 2019; 27:1103-1114. [PMID: 31526084 DOI: 10.1177/0969733019874503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Midwives and nurses appear vulnerable to moral distress when caring for women whose babies are removed at birth. They may experience professional dissatisfaction and their relationships with women, families and colleagues may be compromised. The impact of moral distress may manifest as anger, guilt, frustration, anxiety and a desire to give up their profession. While there has been much attention exploring the concept of moral distress in midwifery, this is the first study to explore its association in this context. AIM This article explores midwives' experiences of moral distress when providing care to women whose babies were removed at birth and gives valuable insight into an issue nurses and midwives encounter in their profession. METHODS Four mothers and eight midwives took part in this research. Narrative inquiry incorporating photo-elicitation techniques was used to generate data; mothers were interviewed face to face and midwives through focus groups. The images and audio data were collected, transcribed and analysed for emerging themes. For the purpose of this article, only the midwives' stories are reported. This research received a favourable ethical opinion from the University of Surrey Ethics committee. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This study received a favourable ethical approval from a higher education institutes ethics committee. RESULTS Midwives who care for women whose babies are removed at birth report it as one of the most distressing areas of contemporary clinical practice. Furthermore, they report feelings of guilt, helplessness and betrayal of the midwife-mother relationship. Many of the midwives in this study state that these experiences stay with them for a long time, far more than more joyful aspects of their role. CONCLUSION Midwives experience moral distress. Support systems, education and training must be available to them if we are to reduce the long-term impact upon them, alleviate their distress and prevent them from leaving the profession.
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Ramos FRS, Barlen ELD, Brito MJM, Vargas MA, Schneider DG, de Farias Brehmer LC. Validation of the Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses. J Nurs Meas 2019; 27:335-357. [PMID: 31511413 DOI: 10.1891/1061-3749.27.2.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and PurposeTo determine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses (MDSN-BR).DesignIn this methodological, cross-sectional study, the criterion, content, and construct validation stages were presented.MethodA 57-item questionnaire was applied to 1,227 brazilian nurses through an online form. The exploratory factor analyses revealed significant conceptual relations among its items in six constructs, expressing the consistency of the scale.ResultsThe validated version of the instrument consists of six constructs and 49 items—Cronbach's alpha .980 (instrument) and of constructs: (a) (.942) Acknowledgment, power, and professional identity; (b) (.961) Safe and qualified care; (c) (.924) Defense of values and rights; (d) (.944) Work conditions; (e) (.933) Ethical infractions; (f) (.914) Work teams.ConclusionThe results provide evidence supporting the reliability and trustworthiness of the scale in the selected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozhgan Moshtagh
- Social Welfare and Health, Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Mohsenpour
- Assistant Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Epstein EG, Whitehead PB, Prompahakul C, Thacker LR, Hamric AB. Enhancing Understanding of Moral Distress: The Measure of Moral Distress for Health Care Professionals. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2019; 10:113-124. [PMID: 31002584 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2019.1586008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As ongoing research explores the impact of moral distress on health care professionals (HCPs) and organizations and seeks to develop effective interventions, valid and reliable instruments to measure moral distress are needed. This article describes the development and testing of a revision of the widely used Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R) to measure moral distress. METHODS We revised the MDS-R by evaluating the combined data from 22 previous studies, assessing 301 write-in items and 209 root causes identified through moral distress consultation, and reviewing 14 recent publications from various professions in which root causes were described. The revised 27-item scale, the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP), is usable by all HCPs in adult and pediatric critical, acute, or long-term acute care settings. We then assessed the reliability of the MMD-HP and evaluated construct validity via hypothesis testing. The MMD-HP, Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS), and a demographic survey were distributed electronically via Qualtrics to nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals at two academic medical centers over a 3-week period. RESULTS In total, 653 surveys were included in the final analysis. The MMD-HP demonstrated good reliability. The four hypotheses were supported: (1) MMD-HP scores were higher for nurses (M 112.3, SD 73.2) than for physicians (M 96.3, SD 54.7, p = 0.023). (2) MMD-HP scores were higher for those considering leaving their position (M 168.4, SD 75.8) than for those not considering leaving (M 94.3, SD 61.2, p < 0.001). (3) The MMD-HP was negatively correlated with the HECS (r = -0.55, p < 0.001). (4) An exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure, reflective of patient, unit, and system levels of moral distress. CONCLUSIONS The MMD-HP represents the most currently understood causes of moral distress. Because the instrument behaves as would be predicted, we recommend that the MMD-HP replace the MDS-R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Epstein
- a University of Virginia School of Nursing , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Phyllis B Whitehead
- b Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Palliative Medicine Clinical Nurse Specialist , Roanoke , Virginia , USA
| | - Chuleeporn Prompahakul
- c School of Nursing , University of Virginia School of Nursing, Senior Lecturer Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai , Songkhla , Thailand
| | - Leroy R Thacker
- d Department of Biostatistics, One Capital Square , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Ann B Hamric
- e School of Nursing , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA
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Abstract
Background: As moral action could help nurses reduce moral distress, it is necessary to carry out qualitative research to present the experiences in which nurses apply moral action. Aim: To describe and analyze the phronesis applied by nurses in the face of moral distress. Research design: The research participants were invited to participate in in-depth interviews. The research materials were based on the stories described by the research participants and recorded by means of first-person narrative. Narrative analysis was applied to interpret the nurses’ phronesis. Participants: Twenty-seven nurses from Taiwan. Ethical considerations: The Institutional Review Board of the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan confirmed that this study passed the research ethical review. Findings: According to the narrative analysis results, the phenomenon of moral distress contains difficulty, action, and idea transformation. The difficulty is the source of moral distress, action is the practice of moral courage, and idea transformation is the nurse’s emotional movement. Action and idea transformation are collectively called phronesis in this study. Discussion: Moral distress refers to a state of suffering caused by situations in which nurses cannot carry out their ethical intentions. Phronesis is the process through which nurses take actions and relocate the subjects and is an ethical way to find relief from moral distress. Starting with empathy and respectful attitudes arising from self-reflection, nurses may be helped to get relief from the suffering of moral distress. Conclusion: Phronesis can help nurses positively face the emotional strain of moral distress. This article puts forward a narrative method to complete the four steps of phronesis: write about the care experience, identify the difficulties in the stories, seek the possibility of action, and form a new care attitude, which could help nurses learn to reduce their moral distress.
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Haslam L, DePaul V. Case Study Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Process for a Fragility Hip Fracture Patient. Can Geriatr J 2019; 22:7-12. [PMID: 31501678 PMCID: PMC6707131 DOI: 10.5770/cgj.22.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In Canada, up to 32,000 older adults experience a fragility hip fracture. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has implemented strategies to reduce surgical wait times and improve outcomes in target areas. These best practice standards advocate for immediate surgical repair, within 48 hours of admission, in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. The majority of patients are good candidates for surgical repair; however, for some patients, given the risks of anesthetic and trauma of the operative procedure, surgery may not be the best choice. Patients and families face a difficult and hurried decision, often with no time to voice their concerns, or with little-to-no information on which to guide their choice. Similarly, health-care providers may experience moral distress or hesitancy to articulate other options, such as palliative care. Is every fragility fracture a candidate for surgery, no matter what the outcome? When is it right to discuss other options with the patient? This article examines a case study via an application of a framework for ethical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Haslam
- Department of Rehab Science, Aging & Health Program, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
| | - Vincent DePaul
- Department of Rehab Science, Aging & Health Program, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
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Ritchie V, O’Rourke T, Stahlke S. Nurse Practitioners’ Experiences of Moral Distress in the Continuing Care Setting. J Nurse Pract 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mehlis K, Bierwirth E, Laryionava K, Mumm FH, Hiddemann W, Heußner P, Winkler EC. High prevalence of moral distress reported by oncologists and oncology nurses in end-of-life decision making. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2733-2739. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Mehlis
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT); Heidelberg University Hospital; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Elena Bierwirth
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology); University Hospital Grosshadern; Munich Germany
| | - Katsiaryna Laryionava
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT); Heidelberg University Hospital; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Friederike H.A. Mumm
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology); University Hospital Grosshadern; Munich Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hiddemann
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology); University Hospital Grosshadern; Munich Germany
| | - Pia Heußner
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Haematology and Oncology); University Hospital Grosshadern; Munich Germany
| | - Eva C. Winkler
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT); Heidelberg University Hospital; Heidelberg Germany
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Ko HK, Chin CC, Hsu MT, Lee SL. Phenomenon of moral distress through the aspect of interpretive interactionism. Nurs Ethics 2018; 26:1484-1493. [PMID: 29656704 DOI: 10.1177/0969733018766579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most previous studies on moral distress focused on the factors that cause moral distress, paying inadequate attention to the moral conflict of nurses' values, the physician-nurse power hierarchy, and the influence of the culture. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE To analyze the main causes for moral distress with interpretive interactionism. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative study was adopted. PARTICIPANTS Through purposeful sampling, 32 nurses from 12 different departments were chosen as the samples. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. FINDINGS Moral distress is likely to occur in the following clinical situations: patients have no idea about their diseases; the medical decisions fail to meet the optimum benefit of patients; and patients with terminal cancers are not given a proper death. The reason why nurses become trapped in moral distress is that they fail to achieve moral goodness. Inadequate confidence, the physician-nurse power hierarchy, and the Oriental culture affect nurses' goodness-based intention for patients, which deteriorates moral distress. DISCUSSION The main cause for moral distress is the moral goodness of nurses. If nurses' goodness-based intention for patients is inconsistent with the moral objective of achieving optimum benefit for patients, it leads to moral distress. Culture is an essential background factor of care for patients. In the Oriental culture, family members influence patients' right to know about their diseases, the choice of treatment, and patients' autonomy of not receiving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. This results in moral distress in medical care. CONCLUSION The occurrence of moral distress demonstrates that nurses have moral characteristics such as goodness and caring. It is suggested that appropriate educational strategies can be adopted to weaken the power hierarchy between physicians and nurses and enhance nurses' confidence and cultural sensitivity, so as to reduce the moral distress of nurses.
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Lamiani G, Dordoni P, Argentero P. Value congruence and depressive symptoms among critical care clinicians: The mediating role of moral distress. Stress Health 2018; 34:135-142. [PMID: 28664611 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Clinicians working in intensive care units are often exposed to several job stressors that can negatively affect their mental health. Literature has acknowledged the role of value congruence and job control in determining clinicians' psychological well-being and depressive symptoms. However, potential mediators of this association have been scarcely examined. This study aimed to test the mediating role of moral distress in the relationship between value congruence and job control, on the one hand, and depression, on the other hand. A cross-sectional study involving physicians, nurses, and residents working in 7 intensive care units in the north of Italy was conducted. Clinicians were administered in the Italian Moral Distress Scale-Revised, the value and control subscales of the Areas of Worklife Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation model. Analysis on 170 questionnaires (response rate 72%) found no relations between job control and moral distress. A total indirect effect of value congruence on depression through moral distress (β = -.12; p = .02) was found. Moral distress contributes to the development of depressive symptoms among critical care clinicians who perceive a value incongruence with their organization and therefore should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lamiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Dordoni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Jager F, Perron A. Caring as Coercion: Exploring the Nurse's Role in Mandated Treatment. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2018; 14:148-153. [PMID: 30130315 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
When nurses work in environments that have overlapping medical, legal, institutional, social, and therapeutic priorities, nursing care can become an effective tool in advancing the competing goals of these multiple systems. During the provision of patient care, nurses manage the tensions inherent in the competing priorities of these different systems, and skillful nursing can have the effect of rendering these tensions invisible. This puts nurses in an ethically complex position, where on one hand, their humanizing empathy has the potential to improve the delivery and effect of mandated care yet, on the other hand, their skillfulness can render invisible the weaknesses in medicolegal structures. In this article, we present a composite case study as a vehicle to illustrate the way this dilemma manifests in day-to-day nursing interactions and explore the potential of microethics to inform the everyday decisions of nurses delivering care-as-coercion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Jager
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa
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Schaefer R, Zoboli ELCP, Vieira M. SOFRIMENTO MORAL EM ENFERMEIROS: DESCRIÇÃO DO RISCO PARA PROFISSIONAIS. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-07072018004020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o perfil de enfermeiros e a frequência de ocorrência de fatores de risco de sofrimento moral. Método: estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, realizado com 268 enfermeiros assistenciais, atuantes no Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), em de instituições hospitalares e unidades de saúde de atenção primária, durante os meses de março e julho de 2016. A coleta de dados foi online, através da ferramenta GoogleDocs. Foram utilizadas uma escala de risco de sofrimento moral e um conjunto de variáveis para caracterização do participante e do seu contexto de trabalho. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída, sobretudo, por mulheres, jovens, que mantinham um vínculo empregatício, trabalhavam entre 36h e 40h por semana, com renda mensal média entre cinco e sete salários mínimos e cerca de dez anos de experiência na enfermagem. O risco de sofrimento moral foi considerado moderado, com um considerável percentual de profissionais demonstrando intenção de abandonar o emprego atual. Conclusão: o sofrimento moral é uma realidade vivenciada pelos enfermeiros investigados, sendo a identificação dos fatores de risco uma das ferramentas no processo de construção de estratégias de enfrentamento.
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Browning ED, Cruz JS. Reflective Debriefing: A Social Work Intervention Addressing Moral Distress among ICU Nurses. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2018; 14:44-72. [PMID: 29488856 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2018.1437588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Health-care workers may experience moral distress when they are unable to act as they believe is ethically appropriate in their clinical work. A social worker-facilitated protocol called Reflective Debriefing was developed and tested for alleviating moral distress through regular debriefings with nursing staff on an intensive care unit (ICU). Forty-two ICU nurses completed a Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R) at the beginning and end of a 6-month period, during which time regular debriefings were offered. The overall level of moral distress on the ICU surveyed was found to be low to moderate. The top three most frequent situations causing moral distress reported by most nurses in this study were related to the provision of nonbeneficial care in the ICU. Participants reported gaining the most benefit from feeling empowered to constructively confront other staff members about truth-telling in giving a prognosis. Nurses' overall response to the intervention was positive, with 100% of participants requesting to continue the Reflective Debriefing sessions either on a monthly or on an as-needed basis. The response to the intervention emphasized the importance of interprofessional collaboration to successfully combat moral distress among health-care workers and may protect them from burnout, detachment, and even quitting their profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D Browning
- a Palliative Care Department , Temple University Hospital , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Jourdan S Cruz
- a Palliative Care Department , Temple University Hospital , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
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Abstract
Moral distress is a pervasive problem in nursing resulting in a detriment to patient care, providers, and organizations. Over a decade ago, the moral distress theory (MDT) was proposed and utilized in multiple research studies. This middle range theory explains and predicts the distress that occurs in a nurse because of moral conflict. The research findings born from this theory have been substantial. Since inception of this theory, moral distress has been extensively examined which has further elaborated its understanding. This paper provides an analysis and evaluation of the MDT according to applicable guidelines. Current understanding of the phenomenon indicates that a new theory may be warranted to better predict, treat, and manage moral distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Wilson
- Department, of Aeromedical Research, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Fairborn, OH
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