Moral Distress among Physical and Occupational Therapists: A Case Study

Mitigating Moral Distress in Leaders of Healthcare Organizations: A Scoping Review

GOAL

Moral distress literature is firmly rooted in the nursing and clinician experience, with a paucity of literature that considers the extent to which moral distress affects clinical and administrative healthcare leaders. Moreover, the little evidence that has been collected on this phenomenon has not been systematically mapped to identify key areas for both theoretical and practical elaboration. We conducted a scoping review to frame our understanding of this largely unexplored dynamic of moral distress and better situate our existing knowledge of moral distress and leadership.

METHODS

Using moral distress theory as our conceptual framework, we evaluated recent literature on moral distress and leadership to understand how prior studies have conceptualized the effects of moral distress. Our search yielded 1,640 total abstracts. Further screening with the PRISMA process resulted in 72 included articles.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Our scoping review found that leaders-not just their employees- personally experience moral distress. In addition, we identified an important role for leaders and organizations in addressing the theoretical conceptualization and practical effects of moral distress.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Although moral distress is unlikely to ever be eliminated, the literature in this review points to a singular need for organizational responses that are intended to intervene at the level of the organization itself, not just at the individual level. Best practices require creating stronger organizational cultures that are designed to mitigate moral distress. This can be achieved through transparency and alignment of personal, professional, and organizational values.

Understanding occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Australian occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities has been largely funded using the Aged Care Funding Instrument since March 2008. Literature indicates that the funding model constrains occupational therapy practice, impacting on therapists' and residents' experiences. In preparation for the implementation of the new funding model, the Australian National Aged Care Classification, it is timely to understand current practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore occupational therapy practice in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument. The objectives were (1) to understand occupational therapists' experiences of working in residential aged care facilities under the Aged Care Funding Instrument; and (2) to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of how the Aged Care Funding Instrument influences residents' occupational performance and engagement.

METHODS

A phenomenological research design was employed to understand therapists' perspectives. Data were collected from seven occupational therapists using a demographic form and a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using a modified Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological data analysis. Ethics approval was obtained.

FINDINGS

Two themes emerged from the study's findings: a restrictive practice context that disables residents; and a restrictive practice context that inhibits occupational therapists. The first theme describes how the Aged Care Funding Instrument constrains practice and incentivises the disabling of residents. The second theme describes the challenges faced by occupational therapists throughout their journey of employment under the funding model.

CONCLUSION

Occupational therapists perceived that the Aged Care Funding Instrument restricts occupational therapy practice and prevents residents from living occupationally rich lives. With the introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification in late 2022, it is crucial that national associations and employers advocate to policymakers to ensure future practice reflects the profession's unique knowledge and skills to optimise the health and wellbeing of residents.