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Safari F, MohammadPour A, BasiriMoghadam M, NamaeiQasemnia A. The relationship between moral distress and clinical care quality among nurses: an analytical cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:732. [PMID: 39385129 PMCID: PMC11465671 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02368-z] [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: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses constitute the largest group of service providers in the healthcare system and significantly influence the quality of healthcare services. Factors such as ethical considerations may be related to the quality of care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between moral distress and the quality of clinical care among nurses working in Gonabad, Iran. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 252 nurses working in emergency, internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, critical care and maternity wards at Allameh Bohlool Hospital from May to July 2023. This research used demographic information questionnaire, the revised Moral Distress Scale (MDS-R), and the Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC). The significance level for the study was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS There was a significant relationship between the frequency of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (p = 0.032), as well as between the intensity of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (p = 0.043). Nurses who experienced moral distress more frequently and intensely provided better quality care. However, there was no significant relationship between the effect of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (r = 0.032, p = 0.619). Additionally, a significant statistical relationship was found between the intensity of moral distress and the physical dimension of clinical care quality (r = 0.171, p = 0.007), indicating that increased moral distress intensity was associated with higher quality of physical care. CONCLUSIONS Nurses who experience higher levels of moral distress, both in terms of frequency and intensity, perform better in the care they provide and deliver it in the best possible manner, particularly in the physical dimension of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Safari
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Ali MohammadPour
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
| | - Mahdi BasiriMoghadam
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Alireza NamaeiQasemnia
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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Park SK, Jeong YW. Relationship between hospital ethical climate, critical thinking disposition, and nursing task performance. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:696. [PMID: 39334039 PMCID: PMC11438314 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02366-1] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As ethical conflicts increase in the ever-changing healthcare field, nursing task performance, which is the overall ability of a nurse's professional knowledge, attitude, and skills, is important for patient health and safety, the provision of quality nursing care, and the appropriate resolution of nursing ethical problems. This study aimed to evaluate the mediating effect of critical thinking disposition on the relationship between hospital ethical climate and nursing task performance. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of a convenience sample of 200 clinical nurses from two Korean cities were recruited between November and December 2021. Direct questionnaires and online surveys were used to collect the data. The study variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and a model tested using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 4) mediation model. RESULTS The mean scores for hospital ethical climate, critical thinking disposition, and nursing task performance were 91.86 ± 11.29, 97.74 ± 10.70, and 138.58 ± 14.95, respectively. Hospital ethical climate and critical thinking disposition were positively correlated with nursing task performance. In the mediation test model, hospital ethical climate was found to be positively and significantly associated with nursing task performance (ß = 0.46, p < .001) with the mediation of critical thinking disposition (ß = 0.70, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Hospital ethical climate and critical thinking disposition may be important determinants of task performance among clinical nurses. Hospital administrators should make efforts to create a more positive ethical climate in hospitals and conduct education and campaigns on a positive hospital ethical climate for hospital staff to improve nurses' performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul-Ki Park
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School, Dongguk University WISE, Gyeongsangbuk-Do, Gyeongju-Si, 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Won Jeong
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Dongguk University WISE, 123 Dongdae-RoGyeongsangbuk-Do, Gyeongju-Si, 38066, Republic of Korea.
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Wilson MA, Shay A, Harris JI, Faller N, Usset TJ, Simmons A. Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Military Healthcare Clinicians: A Scoping Review. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100173. [PMID: 38304024 PMCID: PMC10832382 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare clinicians are often at risk of psychological distress due to the nature of their occupation. Military healthcare providers are at risk for additional psychological suffering related to unique moral and ethical situations encountered in military service. This scoping review identifies key characteristics of moral distress and moral injury and how these concepts relate to the military healthcare clinician who is both a care provider and service member. Methods A scoping review of moral distress and moral injury literature as relates to the military healthcare clinician was conducted on the basis of the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review framework. Databases searched included CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo, 2 U.S. Defense Department sources, conference papers index, and dissertation abstracts. Reference lists of all identified reports and articles were searched for additional studies. Results A total of 573 articles, published between the years 2009 and 2021, were retrieved to include a portion of the COVID-19 pandemic period. One hundred articles met the inclusion criteria for the final full-text review and analysis. Discussion This scoping review identified moral distress and moral injury literature to examine similarities, differences, and overlaps in the defining characteristics of the concepts and the associated implications for patients, healthcare clinicians, and organizations. This review included the unfolding influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on moral experiences in health care and the blurring of those lines between civilian and military healthcare clinicians. Future directions of moral injury and moral distress research, practice, and care are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Wilson
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Dayton, Ohio
- College of Health, Education and Human Services Department of Nursing, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Amy Shay
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Timothy J. Usset
- Division of Health Policy & Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Angela Simmons
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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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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Lanes TC, Dalmolin GDL, Silva AMD, Bernardi CMS, Schutz TC, Tiguman GMB. Influence of the ethical climate on workers' health among healthcare professionals: a systematic review. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2023; 44:e20220247. [PMID: 37909511 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20220247.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of the ethical climate on workers' health among healthcare professionals. METHOD Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SciVerse Scopus (Elsevier), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Web of Science. Trained reviewers performed the selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality. Meta-analysis was applied for data synthesis. RESULTS Among the 2644 studies, 20 were included for analysis, in which three (15.0%) articles were classified as high quality (score ≥ 80%), while 17 (85.0%) were classified as regular (score 50-79%). There was a moderate negative correlation between the ethical climate and overall moral distress (r=-0.43; 95%CI -0.50; -0.36) and the frequency of moral distress (r=-0.36; 95%CI -0.45; -0.25), as well as the positive and strong correlation between ethical climate and job satisfaction (r=0.71; 95%CI 0.39-0.88). CONCLUSION The negative and positive perception of the ethical climate among healthcare professionals, respectively, influenced the increase in moral distress and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taís Carpes Lanes
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Graziele de Lima Dalmolin
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Departamento de Enfermagem. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Augusto Maciel da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Departamento de Estatística. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Camila Milene Soares Bernardi
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Thaís Costa Schutz
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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Watts T, Sydor A, Whybrow D, Temeng E, Hewitt R, Pattinson R, Bundy C, Kyle RG, Jones B. Registered Nurses' and nursing students' perspectives on moral distress and its effects: A mixed-methods systematic review and thematic synthesis. Nurs Open 2023; 10:6014-6032. [PMID: 37458290 PMCID: PMC10416007 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine Registered Nurses (RNs') and nursing students' perspectives on factors contributing to moral distress and the effects on their health, well-being and professional and career intentions. DESIGN Joanna Briggs Institute mixed-methods systematic review and thematic synthesis. Registered in Prospero (Redacted). METHODS Five databases were searched on 5 May 2021 for studies published in English since January 2010. Methodological quality assessment was conducted in parallel with data extraction. RESULTS Searches yielded 2343 hits. Seventy-seven articles were included. Most were correlational design and used convenience sampling. Studies were mainly from North America and Asia and situated in intensive and critical care settings. There were common, consistent sources of moral distress across continents, specialities and settings. Factors related to perceived inability or failure to enact moral agency and responsibility in moral events at individual, team and structural levels generated distress. Moral distress had a negative effect on RNs health and psychological well-being. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution to this systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Watts
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Anna Sydor
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Dean Whybrow
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Eunice Temeng
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Rachael Hewitt
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | | | | | - Richard G. Kyle
- Public Health WalesCardiffUK
- Academy of NursingUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Bethan Jones
- School of Healthcare SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- School of Health and Social WellbeingUniversity of West of EnglandBristolUK
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Essex R, Thompson T, Evans TR, Fortune V, Kalocsányiová E, Miller D, Markowski M, Elliott H. Ethical climate in healthcare: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:9697330231177419. [PMID: 37459590 PMCID: PMC10710009 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231177419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethical climate refers to the shared perception of ethical norms and sets the scope for what is ethical and acceptable behaviour within teams. AIM This paper sought to explore perceptions of ethical climate amongst healthcare workers as measured by the Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ), the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS) and the Ethics Environment Questionnaire (EEQ). METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was utilised. PSYCINFO, CINAHL, WEB OF SCIENCE, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched, and papers were included if they sampled healthcare workers and used the ECQ, HECS or EEQ. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION Ethical approval was not required. RESULTS The search returned 1020 results. After screening, 61 papers were included (n = 43 HECS, n = 15 ECQ, n = 3 EEQ). The overall sample size was over 17,000. The pooled mean score for the HECS was 3.60. Mean scores of individual studies ranged from 2.97 to 4.5. For the HECS studies, meta-regression was carried out. No relationship was found between the country of the studies, the study setting (ICU v non-ICU settings) or the mean years of experience that the sample had. For the ECQ, sub-scales had mean scores ranging from 3.41 (instrumental) to 4.34 (law) and were all observed to have significant and substantial heterogeneity. Three studies utilised the EEQ so further analysis was not carried out. CONCLUSIONS The above results provide insight into the variability of scores as measured by the HECS, ECQ and EEQ. To some extent, this variability is not surprising with studies carried out across 21 countries and in a range of healthcare systems. Results also suggest that it may be that more local and context specific factors are more important when it comes to predicting ethical climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Essex
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Trevor Thompson
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Thomas Rhys Evans
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Fortune
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | | | - Denise Miller
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Marianne Markowski
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Helen Elliott
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
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8
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Alimoradi Z, Jafari E, Lin CY, Rajabi R, Marznaki ZH, Soodmand M, Potenza MN, Pakpour AH. Estimation of moral distress among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:334-357. [PMID: 36704986 PMCID: PMC9902807 DOI: 10.1177/09697330221135212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress is a common challenge among professional nurses when caring for their patients, especially when they need to make rapid decisions. Therefore, leaving moral distress unconsidered may jeopardize patient quality of care, safety, and satisfaction. AIM To estimate moral distress among nurses. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted systematic search in Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PsycInfo up to end of February 2022. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa checklist. Data from included studies were pooled by meta-analysis with random effect model in STATA software version 14. The selected key measure was mean score of moral distress total score with its' 95% Confidence Interval was reported. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to identify possible sources of heterogeneity and potentially influencing variables on moral distress. Funnel plots and Begg's Tests were used to assess publication bias. The Jackknife method was used for sensitivity analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION The protocol of this project was registered in the PROSPERO database under decree code of CRD42021267773. RESULTS Eighty-six manuscripts with 19,537 participants from 21 countries were included. The pooled estimated mean score of moral distress was 2.55 on a 0-10 scale [95% Confidence Interval: 2.27-2.84, I2: 98.4%, Tau2:0.94]. Publication bias and small study effect was ruled out. Moral distress significantly decreased in the COVID-19 pandemic versus before. Nurses working in developing countries experienced higher level of moral distress compared to their counterparts in developed countries. Nurses' workplace (e.g., hospital ward) was not linked to severity of moral disturbance. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed a low level of pooled estimated score for moral distress. Although the score of moral distress was not high, nurses working in developing countries reported higher levels of moral distress than those working in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary that future studies focus on creating a supportive environment in hospitals and medical centers for nurses to reduce moral distress and improve healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elahe Jafari
- 113106Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Marc N Potenza
- Yale University, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, USA
| | - Amir H Pakpour
- Jönköping University, Sweden; Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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Haslam-Larmer L, Grigorovich A, Quirt H, Engel K, Stewart S, Rodrigues K, Kontos P, Astell A, McMurray J, Levy A, Bingham KS, Flint AJ, Maxwell C, Iaboni A. Prevalence, causes, and consequences of moral distress in healthcare providers caring for people living with dementia in long-term care during a pandemic. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:5-27. [PMID: 36240074 PMCID: PMC9574526 DOI: 10.1177/14713012221124995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare providers caring for people living with dementia may experience moral distress when faced with ethically challenging situations, such as the inability to provide care that is consistent with their values. The COVID-19 pandemic produced conditions in long-term care homes (hereafter referred to as 'care homes') that could potentially contribute to moral distress. We conducted an online survey to examine changes in moral distress during the pandemic, its contributing factors and correlates, and its impact on the well-being of care home staff. Survey participants (n = 227) working in care homes across Ontario, Canada were recruited through provincial care home organizations. Using a Bayesian approach, we examined the association between moral distress and staff demographics and roles, and characteristics of the long-term care home. We performed a qualitative analysis of the survey's free-text responses. More than 80% of care home healthcare providers working with people with dementia reported an increase in moral distress since the start of the pandemic. There was no difference in the severity of distress by age, sex, role, or years of experience. The most common factors associated with moral distress were lack of activities and family visits, insufficient staffing and high turnover, and having to follow policies and procedures that were perceived to harm residents with dementia. At least two-thirds of respondents reported feelings of physical exhaustion, sadness/anxiety, frustration, powerlessness, and guilt due to the moral distress experienced during the pandemic. Respondents working in not-for-profit or municipal homes reported less sadness/anxiety and feelings of not wanting to go to work than those in for-profit homes. Front-line staff were more likely to report not wanting to work than those in management or administrative positions. Overall, we found that increases in moral distress during the pandemic negatively affected the well-being of healthcare providers in care homes, with preliminary evidence suggesting that individual and systemic factors may intensify the negative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisa Grigorovich
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto.,Recreation and Leisure Studies, 104266Brock University, St. Catherines, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Quirt
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto
| | - Katia Engel
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto
| | - Steven Stewart
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto
| | - Kevin Rodrigues
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto
| | - Pia Kontos
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 7961University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arlene Astell
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto.,Departments of Occupational Sciences & Occupational Therapy and Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK
| | - Josephine McMurray
- 8431Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | - AnneMarie Levy
- 8431Lazaridis School of Business & Economics Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen S Bingham
- Department of Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alastair J Flint
- Department of Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen Maxwell
- Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health Sciences, 8430University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Iaboni
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, 7961Toronto.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dziurka M, Ozdoba P, Olson L, Jedynak A, Ozga D, Jurek K, Dobrowolska B. Hospital ethical climate survey - selected psychometric properties of the scale and results among polish nurses and midwives. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:295. [PMID: 36324181 PMCID: PMC9628138 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-01067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hospital ethical climate affects the quality of nursing care. A positive ethical climate is likely to reduce the proportion of those who consider leaving the profession, so it is necessary to develop tools which will enable assessment and analysis of the hospital ethical climate. The aim of this study was to examine selected psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, assess the hospital ethical climate perceived by nurses and midwives from Polish hospitals, and to determine its correlations with job-related variables. METHODS A cross-sectional study among 558 nurses and midwives working in hospitals in Poland. RESULTS The 21-item model showed acceptable model fitness between the hypothetical model of ethical climate and the data in the study. Five items with low factor loadings were removed from the study. The internal consistency was satisfactory (0.93). The mean score for the overall hospital ethical climate was 3.62. The highest mean score of hospital ethical climate in the present study was found in the "peers" subscale and the lowest in the "physicians" subscale. A positive correlation was found between overall hospital ethical climate and respondents' satisfaction with work, salary, and working time. The hospital ethical climate was associated with problems found in nurses and midwives' work, such as: limited time for direct face-to-face care, the lack of equipment and resources to provide high-quality health care, strained relations with hospital managers and other health care professionals, limitations to one's own competences or those of other medical professionals, moral dilemmas related to patient care, the low prestige of nurses'/midwives' work, physical and mental burden, and the risk of making a mistake. CONCLUSION The Polish 21-item version of the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey is a reliable tool. Correlations revealed that relationships with managers and physicians, and working conditions should be improved in order for the hospital ethical climate to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Dziurka
- grid.411484.c0000 0001 1033 7158Department of Holistic Care and Nursing Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Ozdoba
- grid.411484.c0000 0001 1033 7158Department of Holistic Care and Nursing Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Linda Olson
- grid.261080.d0000 0000 9225 960XConsultants and previous Professor and Dean at North Park University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Anna Jedynak
- Provincial Polyclinical Hospital, Skierniewice, Poland
| | - Dorota Ozga
- grid.13856.390000 0001 2154 3176Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Jurek
- grid.37179.3b0000 0001 0664 8391Institute of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- grid.411484.c0000 0001 1033 7158Department of Holistic Care and Nursing Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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11
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Giannetta N, Villa G, Bonetti L, Dionisi S, Pozza A, Rolandi S, Rosa D, Manara DF. Moral Distress Scores of Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units for Adults Using Corley's Scale: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10640. [PMID: 36078353 PMCID: PMC9517876 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No systematic review in the literature has analyzed the intensity and frequency of moral distress among ICU nurses. No study seems to have mapped the leading personal and professional characteristics associated with high levels of moral distress. This systematic review aimed to describe the intensity and frequency of moral distress experienced by nurses in ICUs, as assessed by Corley's instruments on moral distress (the Moral Distress Scale and the Moral Distress Scale-Revised). Additionally, this systematic review aimed to summarize the correlates of moral distress. METHODS A systematic search and review were performed using the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed), and Psychological Abstracts Information Services (PsycINFO). The review methodology followed PRISMA guidelines. The quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Findings showed a moderate level of moral distress among nurses working in ICUs. The findings of this systematic review confirm that there are a lot of triggers of moral distress related to patient-level factors, unit/team-level factors, or system-level causes. Beyond the triggers of moral distress, this systematic review showed some correlates of moral distress: those nurses working in ICUs with less work experience and those who are younger, female, and intend to leave their jobs have higher levels of moral distress. This systematic review's findings show a positive correlation between professional autonomy, empowerment, and moral distress scores. Additionally, nurses who feel supported by head nurses report lower moral distress scores. CONCLUSIONS This review could help better identify which professionals are at a higher risk of experiencing moral distress, allowing the early detection of those at risk of moral distress, and giving the organization some tools to implement preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Giannetta
- School of Nursing, UniCamillus—Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Villa
- Center for Nursing Research and Innovation, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Loris Bonetti
- Department of Nursing, Nursing Research Centre, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6928 Manno, Switzerland
| | - Sara Dionisi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Debora Rosa
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural, and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Duilio Fiorenzo Manara
- Center for Nursing Research and Innovation, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
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12
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Sarro EL, Haviland K, Chow K, Sequeira S, McEachen ME, King K, Aho L, Coyle N, Zhang H, Lynch KA, Voigt L, McCabe MS. PASTRY: A nursing-developed quality improvement initiative to combat moral distress. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:1066-1077. [PMID: 35050811 PMCID: PMC9999433 DOI: 10.1177/09697330211062984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of moral distress in nursing professionals, of which oncology nurses are particularly prone, can negatively impact patient care, job satisfaction, and retention. AIM "Positive Attitudes Striving to Rejuvenate You: PASTRY" was developed at a tertiary cancer center to reduce the burden of moral distress among oncology nurses. RESEARCH DESIGN A Quality Improvement (QI) initiative was conducted using a pre- and post-intervention design, to launch PASTRY and measure its impact on moral distress of the nursing unit, using Hamric's Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R.) This program consisted of monthly 60-minute sessions allowing nurses to address morally distressing events and themes, such as clinicians giving "false hope" to patients or families. The PASTRY program sessions were led by certified clinicians utilizing strategies of discussion and mind-body practices. PARTICIPANTS Clinical nurses working on an adult leukemia/lymphoma unit. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This was a QI initiative, participation was voluntary, MDS-R responses were collected anonymously, and the institution's Ethics Committee oversaw PASTRY's implementation. FINDINGS While improvement in moral distress findings were not statistically significant, the qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated consistent themes. The PASTRY program received strong support from nurses and institutional leaders, lowered the nursing unit's moral distress, led to enhanced camaraderie, and improved nurses' coping skills. DISCUSSION Measurement of moral distress is innately challenging due to its complexity. This study reinforces oncology nurses have measurable moral distress. Interventions should be implemented for a safe and healing environment to explore morally distressing clinical experiences. Poor communication among multidisciplinary team members is associated with moral distress among nurses. Programs like PASTRY may empower nurses to build support networks for change within themselves and institutions. CONCLUSION This QI initiative shows further research on moral distress reduction should be conducted to verify findings for statistical significance and so that institutional programs, like PASTRY, can be created.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Haviland
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kimberly Chow
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sonia Sequeira
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Kerry King
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Aho
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nessa Coyle
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hao Zhang
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Louis Voigt
- 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary S McCabe
- 51647National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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13
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Ness MM, Saylor J, DiFusco LA, Evans K. Leadership, professional quality of life and moral distress during COVID-19: A mixed-methods approach. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:2412-2422. [PMID: 34254387 PMCID: PMC8420482 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To understand the impact of professional stressors on nurses' and other health care providers' professional quality of life and moral distress as they cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND Health care providers caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress. METHODS A convergent mixed-methods design and snowball sampling was used to collect survey data (n = 171) and semi-structured interviews (n = 23) among health care providers working in the inpatient setting. RESULTS Perceived lack of support from executive leadership, access to personal protective equipment and constantly changing guidelines led to decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress among health care providers. CONCLUSION Findings from this study indicate that shared governance, disaster management training and enhanced communication may assist executive leadership to reduce the likelihood of decreased professional quality of life and increased moral distress in front line health care providers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Following the principles of shared governance may assist executive leadership to promote and acknowledge the significance of the role of health care providers at the bedside. Additionally, disaster management training and open communication are crucial to ensure that health care providers are adequately informed and supported at the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristen Evans
- Conway School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
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14
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the moral distress experiences of nurse managers. Moral distress has been studied among direct patient care providers including nurses and physicians. The moral distress experience among nurse managers is less understood. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 19 nurse managers from 5 healthcare institutions in Virginia. Interview data were analyzed using a directed content analysis, as the structural components of the moral distress phenomenon are already known. Participants suffered moral distress when they were unable to achieve or maintain effective unit function and felt caught in the middle between their units' and employees' needs and organizational directives. System-level causes of moral distress are common among nurse managers. Future research should involve measurement of moral distress among nurse managers and exploration of effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis B Whitehead
- Author Affiliations: Clinical Ethicist, Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Associate Professor (Dr Whitehead), Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine; and Senior Director of Nursing Research, EBP, and Excellence Carilion Clinic (Dr Carter), Carilion Clinic, Roanoke; Professor of Nursing and Coordinator of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (Dr Garber), School of Nursing James Madison University, Harrisonburg; and Associate Professor School of Nursing and UVA Center for Health Humanities and Ethics (Dr Epstein), University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville
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15
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An Ethics Early Action Protocol to Promote Teamwork and Ethics Efficacy. Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2021; 40:226-236. [PMID: 34033444 DOI: 10.1097/dcc.0000000000000482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts occur in critical care. Negative consequences include misunderstandings, mistrust, patient and family suffering, clinician moral distress, and patient safety concerns. Providing an opportunity for team-based ethics assessments and planning could improve communication and reduce moral distress. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to explore whether an early action ethics intervention affects intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians' moral distress, ethics self-efficacy, and perceptions of hospital climate and to compare nurses' and physicians' scores on moral distress, ethics self-efficacy, and ethical climate at 3 time points. METHODS Intensive care unit nurses and physicians were asked to complete surveys on moral distress, ethics self-efficacy, and ethical climate before implementing the ethics protocol in 6 ICUs. We measured responses to the same 3 surveys at 3 and 6 months after the protocol was used. RESULTS At baseline, nurses scored significantly higher than physicians in moral distress and significantly lower in ethics self-efficacy. Plot graphs revealed that nurses' and physicians' outcome scores trended toward one another. At 3 and 6 months post intervention, nurse and physician scores changed differently in moral distress and ethics self-efficacy. When examining nurse and physician scores separately over time, we found nurses' scores in moral distress and moral distress frequency decreased significantly over time and ethics self-efficacy and ethics climate increased significantly over time. Physicians' scores did not change significantly. DISCUSSION This study indicates that routine, team-based ethics assessment and planning opens a space for sharing information, which could decrease nurses' moral distress and increase their ethics self-efficacy. This, in turn, can potentially promote teamwork and reduce burnout.
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16
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Bleicher J, Place A, Schoenhals S, Luppens CL, Grudziak J, Lambert LA, McCrum ML. Drivers of Moral Distress in Surgical Intensive Care Providers: A Mixed Methods Study. J Surg Res 2021; 266:292-299. [PMID: 34038851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress is common among healthcare providers, leading to staff burnout and attrition. This study aimed to identify root causes of and potential solutions to moral distress experienced by surgical intensive care unit (SICU) providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a mixed methods study of physicians and nurses from a single, academic SICU. We obtained quantitative data from the Measures of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) survey and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. The MMD-HP is a 27 question, validated survey on triggers of moral distress. Survey and interview data were analyzed to identify drivers of moral distress using a convergent design. RESULTS 21 nurses and 25 physicians were surveyed and 17 providers interviewed. MMD-HP data demonstrated high levels of moral distress for nurses (mean total MMD-HP 132 ± 63.5) and physicians (121.7 ± 64.7), P = 0.68. The most frequent root cause of moral distress for all providers was participating in the delivery of aggressive care perceived to be futile. Nurses also reported caring for patients with unclear goals of care as a key driver of moral distress. Interview data supported these findings. Providers recommended improving access to palliative care to increase early communication on patient goals of care and end-of-life as a solution. Culture in the SICU often promotes supporting aggressive care however, acting as a potential barrier to increasing palliative resources. CONCLUSIONS Providing aggressive care that is perceived as futile was the primary driver of moral distress in the SICU. Interventions to improve early communication and access to end-of-life care should be prioritized to decrease moral distress in staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Bleicher
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
| | - Aubrey Place
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Sarah Schoenhals
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Carolyn L Luppens
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Joanna Grudziak
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Laura A Lambert
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; Department of Surgical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Marta L McCrum
- Department of General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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17
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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18
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Hou Y, Timmins F, Zhou Q, Wang J. A cross-sectional exploration of emergency department nurses' moral distress, ethical climate and nursing practice environment. Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 55:100972. [PMID: 33556784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moral distress is a common phenomenon among nurses that leads to physical and emotional problems and affects job retention, job satisfaction, and quality of care. AIM To explore relationships between moral distress, ethical climate, and nursing practice environment among a sample of ED nurses and determined significant predictors of moral distress in organizational environments. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational survey was performed on 237 nurses in emergency departments (EDs) from five hospitals in Taiyuan, mainland China. RESULTS Statistically significant negative and moderate correlations were found between the level of moral distress and ethical climate for the overall evaluation and 10 subscale scores and the overall evaluation of the nursing practice environment. The nurse-physician collaboration, ethical climate, and monthly income were statistically significant predictors of the level of moral distress (change in R2 = 17.9%, 5.5%, and 5.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Perceptions of a more positive ethical climate and healthier nursing practice environment resulted in lower moral distress levels experienced by ED nurses. Poor nurse-physician collaboration is a pivotal factor accounting for ED nurses' moral distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Hou
- Emergency Department, ShanXi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, ShanXi 030000, China
| | - Fiona Timmins
- School of Nursing & Midwifery Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Qian Zhou
- Emergency Department, ShanXi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, ShanXi 030000, China.
| | - Juzi Wang
- Emergency Department, ShanXi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, ShanXi 030000, China.
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19
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Moynihan KM, Taylor L, Crowe L, Balnaves MC, Irving H, Ozonoff A, Truog RD, Jansen M. Ethical climate in contemporary paediatric intensive care. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:medethics-2020-106818. [PMID: 33431646 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ethical climate (EC) has been broadly described as how well institutions respond to ethical issues. Developing a tool to study and evaluate EC that aims to achieve sustained improvements requires a contemporary framework with identified relevant drivers. An extensive literature review was performed, reviewing existing EC definitions, tools and areas where EC has been studied; ethical challenges and relevance of EC in contemporary paediatric intensive care (PIC); and relevant ethical theories. We surmised that existing EC definitions and tools designed to measure it fail to capture nuances of the PIC environment, and sought to address existing gaps by developing an EC framework for PIC founded on ethical theory. In this article, we propose a Paediatric Intensive Care Ethical Climate (PICEC) conceptual framework and four measurable domains to be captured by an assessment tool. We define PICEC as the collective felt experience of interdisciplinary team members arising from those factors that enable or constrain their ability to navigate ethical aspects of their work. PICEC both results from and is influenced by how well ethical issues are understood, identified, explored, reflected on, responded to and addressed in the workplace. PICEC encompasses four, core inter-related domains representing drivers of EC including: (1) organisational culture and leadership; (2) interdisciplinary team relationships and dynamics; (3) integrated child and family-centred care; and (4) ethics literacy. Future directions involve developing a PICEC measurement tool, with implications for benchmarking as well as guidance for, and evaluation of, targeted interventions to foster a healthy EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Moynihan
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Taylor
- Office of Ethics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liz Crowe
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary-Claire Balnaves
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Irving
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Children's Health Ethics and Law, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Al Ozonoff
- Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert D Truog
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie Jansen
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Giannetta N, Villa G, Pennestrì F, Sala R, Mordacci R, Manara DF. Instruments to assess moral distress among healthcare workers: A systematic review of measurement properties. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 111:103767. [PMID: 32956930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of professionals are challenged by the evolution of modern healthcare and society, often characterized by more expectations with reduced resources. Moral distress is among the psychophysical conditions now most under investigation in order to improve the wellbeing of professionals, the sustainability of organizations and the quality of care. Over the last decades, several instruments have been developed to assess the frequency or intensity of moral distress in different studies. Yet, there has not been, so far, a systematic assessment of the qualitative properties of the various instruments measuring moral distress in healthcare workers based on a universally accepted standardized framework. OBJECTIVE (1) To identify all instruments for the measurement of moral distress available in recent literature; (2) to evaluate the evidence regarding their measurement properties; (3) to facilitate the selection of the most appropriate instrument to be adopted in practice and research. DESIGN Systematic literature review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, and PyscINFO. REVIEW METHODS The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the identified studies. The quality of measurement properties of each instrument was evaluated using Terwee's quality criteria. RESULTS Among the 1268 studies found, 88 full-text articles evaluated moral distress adopting different tools. Thirty two of them had a methodological design. The measurement instruments assessed in this review are different in terms of targeted population and items. The instruments were then divided into two main categories: (1) Corley's instruments on moral distress (Moral distress scale and Moral Distress Scale - Revised) and (2) instruments not directly derived from Corley's moral distress theory (Moral Distress thermometer, Moral Distress Risk Scale, Ethical Stress Scale or Moral Distress in Dementia Care Survey). The first set is the most frequently studied and used in different clinical settings and healthcare populations. A variety of psychometric properties have been evaluated for each instrument, revealing different qualities in the methodology used. CONCLUSIONS Several instruments assessing moral distress in healthcare workers have been identified and evaluated in this systematic review. Based on the criteria used here, Corley's instruments on moral distress seems to be the most useful and most appropriate to the clinical setting for practice and research purposes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT The aim of this systematic review was to identify the instruments measuring moral distress now available in the literature, in order to (1) assess the evidence about their measurement properties, (2) support the selection of the most appropriate instrument to be used in practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Giannetta
- Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Villa
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Pennestrì
- Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Sala
- Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Mordacci
- Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Living With Moral Distress: The Perspectives and Experiences of Iranian Nurse Preceptors. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2019; 32:355-369. [PMID: 30567909 DOI: 10.1891/1541-6577.32.4.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Preceptors play a key role in the transition experience of new nurses. Preceptorship is a stressful role and is influenced by contextual factors. There is a lack of sufficient understandings of the perspectives and lived experiences of Iranian nurse preceptors of preceptorship. The aim of this study was to explore the perspective and lived experiences of Iranian nurse preceptors of preceptorship. Methods: A qualitative design using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. Six Iranian nurse preceptors were chosen using a purposeful sampling method from a large paediatric teaching hospital in an urban area of Iran. Data was collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and was analysed using the Diekelmann et al.'s method of hermeneutic phenomenological analysis. Results: The data analysis resulted in the development of a constitutive pattern of 'living with moral distress', which was constituted of two major themes: 'asking for and being unable' and 'the experience of conflict'. Implications for Practice: The findings of this study can improve nurses' understandings of the preceptor's role and associated factors influencing the implementation of the preceptorship programme. 'Moral distress' caused by the preceptor role can influence nurse preceptors' mental health and also the patient care outcomes. More studies are required to explore this phenomenon in different contexts and cultures and design strategies for reducing the burden of taking this role on nurse preceptors. Also, policies are needed for developing a formal preceptor support system to help preceptors take this stressful and demanding role in healthcare settings.
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22
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Moynihan KM, Snaman JM, Kaye EC, Morrison WE, DeWitt AG, Sacks LD, Thompson JL, Hwang JM, Bailey V, Lafond DA, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Integration of Pediatric Palliative Care Into Cardiac Intensive Care: A Champion-Based Model. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0160. [PMID: 31366685 PMCID: PMC6855829 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into management of children with serious illness and their families is endorsed as the standard of care. Despite this, timely referral to and integration of PPC into the traditionally cure-oriented cardiac ICU (CICU) remains variable. Despite dramatic declines in mortality in pediatric cardiac disease, key challenges confront the CICU community. Given increasing comorbidities, technological dependence, lengthy recurrent hospitalizations, and interventions risking significant morbidity, many patients in the CICU would benefit from PPC involvement across the illness trajectory. Current PPC delivery models have inherent disadvantages, insufficiently address the unique aspects of the CICU setting, place significant burden on subspecialty PPC teams, and fail to use CICU clinician skill sets. We therefore propose a novel conceptual framework for PPC-CICU integration based on literature review and expert interdisciplinary, multi-institutional consensus-building. This model uses interdisciplinary CICU-based champions who receive additional PPC training through courses and subspecialty rotations. PPC champions strengthen CICU PPC provision by (1) leading PPC-specific educational training of CICU staff; (2) liaising between CICU and PPC, improving use of support staff and encouraging earlier subspecialty PPC involvement in complex patients' management; and (3) developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives and CICU-specific PPC protocols. Our PPC-CICU integration model is designed for adaptability within institutional, cultural, financial, and logistic constraints, with potential applications in other pediatric settings, including ICUs. Although the PPC champion framework offers several unique advantages, barriers to implementation are anticipated and additional research is needed to investigate the model's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Moynihan
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wynne E. Morrison
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Aaron G. DeWitt
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Loren D. Sacks
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jess L. Thompson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children’s Heart Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
| | - Jennifer M. Hwang
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Bailey
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A. Lafond
- PANDA Palliative Care Team, Children’s National and School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D. Blume
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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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: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.4] [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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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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Numminen O, Katajisto J, Leino-Kilpi H. Development and validation of Nurses' Moral Courage Scale. Nurs Ethics 2018; 26:2438-2455. [PMID: 30185132 DOI: 10.1177/0969733018791325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral courage is required at all levels of nursing. However, there is a need for development of instruments to measure nurses' moral courage. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to develop a scale to measure nurses' self-assessed moral courage, to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties, and to briefly describe the current level of nurses' self-assessed moral courage and associated socio-demographic factors. RESEARCH DESIGN In this methodological study, non-experimental, cross-sectional exploratory design was applied. The data were collected using Nurses' Moral Courage Scale and analysed statistically. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT The data were collected from a convenience sample of 482 nurses from four different clinical fields in a major university hospital in Finland for the final testing of the scale. The pilot comprised a convenience sample of 129 nurses. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The study followed good scientific inquiry guidelines. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee and permission to conduct the study from the participating hospital. FINDINGS Psychometric evaluation showed that the 4-sub-scale, 21-item Nurses' Moral Courage Scale demonstrates good reliability and validity at its current state of development showing a good level of internal consistency for a new scale, the internal consistency values ranging from 0.73 to 0.82 for sub-scales and 0.93 for the total scale, thus well exceeding the recommended Cronbach's alpha value of >0.7. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical construct of Nurses' Moral Courage Scale. Face validity and expert panel assessments markedly contributed to the relevance of items in establishing content validity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Nurses' Moral Courage Scale provides a new generic instrument intended for measuring nurses' self-assessed moral courage. Recognizing the importance of moral courage as a part of nurses' moral competence and its assessment offers possibilities to develop interventions and educational programs for enhancement of moral courage. Research should focus on further validation measures of Nurses' Moral Courage Scale in international contexts.
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Prentice TM, Gillam L, Davis PG, Janvier A. Always a burden? Healthcare providers' perspectives on moral distress. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2018; 103:F441-F445. [PMID: 28970316 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-313539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current conceptualisations of moral distress largely portray a negative phenomenon that leads to burnout, reduced job satisfaction and poor patient care. OBJECTIVE To explore clinical experiences, perspectives and perceptions of moral distress in neonatology. DESIGN An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to medical and nursing providers within two tertiary level neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)-one surgical and one perinatal-seeking their understanding of the term and their experience of it. Open-ended questions were analysed using qualitative methodology. RESULTS A total of 345 healthcare providers from two NICUs participated (80% response rate): 286 nurses and 59 medical providers. Moral distress was correctly identified as constrained moral judgement resulting in distress by 93% of participants. However, in practice the term moral distress was also used as an umbrella term to articulate different forms of distress. Moral distress was experienced by 72% of providers at least once a month. Yet despite the negative sequelae of moral distress, few (8% medical, 21% nursing providers) thought that moral distress should be eliminated from the NICU. Open-ended responses revealed that while interventions were desired to decrease the negative impacts of moral distress, moral distress was also viewed as an essential component of the caring profession that prompts robust discussion and acts as an impetus for medical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Moral distress remains prevalent within NICUs. While the harmful aspects of moral distress need to be mitigated, moral distress may have a positive role in advocating for and promoting the interests of the neonatal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha M Prentice
- Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Neonatal Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Davis
- Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annie Janvier
- Departement of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Clinical Ethics Unit, Palliative Care Unit, Unité de Recherche en Éthique Clinique et Partenariat Famille, CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Rainer J, Schneider JK, Lorenz RA. Ethical dilemmas in nursing: An integrative review. J Clin Nurs 2018; 27:3446-3461. [PMID: 29791762 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify themes and gaps in the literature to stimulate researchers to develop strategies to guide decision-making among clinical nurses faced with ethical dilemmas. BACKGROUND The concept of ethical dilemmas has been well explored in nursing because of the frequency of ethical dilemmas in practice and the toll these dilemmas can take on nurses. Although ethical dilemmas are prevalent in nursing practice, frequently leading to moral distress, there is little guidance in the literature to help nurses resolve them. DESIGN This study is an integrative review of published research from 2000 to 2017. METHODS The keywords ethics, ethical dilemmas and nurs* were searched in CINAHL, PubMed, OVID and SCOPUS. Exclusion criteria were sources not available in English, not in acute care, and without an available abstract. Seventy-two studies were screened; 35 were retained. Garrard's matrix was utilised to analyse and synthesise the studies. RESULTS Ethical dilemmas arose from end-of-life issues, conflict with physicians or families, patient privacy concerns and organisational constraints. Differences were found in study location, and yet international research confirms that ethical dilemmas are universally prevalent and must be addressed globally to protect patients and nurses. CONCLUSIONS This review offers an analysis of the available evidence regarding ethical dilemmas in acute care, identifying themes, limitations and gaps in the literature. The gaps in quantitative intervention work, US paucity of research, and lack of comparisons across practice settings/nursing roles must be addressed. Further exploration is warranted in the relationship between ethical dilemmas and moral distress, the significance patient physical appearance plays on nurse determination of futility, and strategies for pain management and honesty. RELEVANCE TO NURSING PRACTICE Understanding and addressing gaps in research is essential to develop strategies to help nurses resolve ethical dilemmas and to avoid moral distress and burnout.
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Delfrate F, Ferrara P, Spotti D, Terzoni S, Lamiani G, Canciani E, Bonetti L. Moral Distress (MD) and burnout in mental health nurses: a multicenter survey. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2018; 109:97-109. [PMID: 29701626 PMCID: PMC7682177 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v109i2.6876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moral Distress (MD) is a common experience among nurses and if it is not recognised and treated, it may lead to serious consequences on nurses' health and quality of care. MD has been studied in several healthcare contexts. However, there are only few studies on MD in psychiatry and in Italy there are no data in this field. Objective: To assess the presence of MD among mental health nurses in Italy and verify whether there is a relationship between MD and burnout. METHODS We conducted a multicentre survey among nurses of Mental Health services of four hospitals in Milan. The MD Scale for Psychiatric NursesItalianrevised (MDS-PItarev) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used for data collection. Factor analysis and calculation of content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha were performed on the Italian version of the MDS-PIta. Three items of the old version of the scale were removed, because judged not relevant in the Italian context. The revised scale maintained excellent CVI (0.89) and Cronbach's alpha (0.93). RESULTS Of 285 questionnaires distributed, 228 (80%) were returned. The median of MD was 2 (scale range 0-6); MD is correlated with two burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion (rho(ρ)=0.28, p<0,001) and depersonalization (ρ=0.20, p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study about MD among psychiatric nurses in Italy. We found a medium-low level of MD among nurses who participated in the survey. We also found a modest but significant correlation between MD and two dimensions of MBI. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Delfrate
- Infermiera, Cure Subacute, ASST Rhodense, Ospedale di Passirana, Italia.
| | - Paolo Ferrara
- Infermiere tutor, Corso di Laurea in Infermieristica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Ospedale Polo Universitario San Paolo, Milano, Italia..
| | - Daniela Spotti
- Infermiera, tutor, Corso di Laurea in Infermieristica, ASST Fatebefratelli Sacco, Ospedale Polo Universitario L. Sacco, Milano, Italia.
| | - Stefano Terzoni
- PhD, Infermiere tutor, Corso di Laurea in Infermieristica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Ospedale Polo Universitario San Paolo, Milano, Italia.
| | - Giulia Lamiani
- PhD, Psycologist, Research fellow, adjunt professor, Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University..
| | - Eleonora Canciani
- Infermiera neolaureata, Corso di Laurea in Infermieristica, Fatebefratelli Sacco, Ospedale Polo Universitario L. Sacco, Milano, Italia.
| | - Loris Bonetti
- PhD, Infermiere tutor, Esperto di ricerca infermieristica clinica, Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, CH.
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Colaco KA, Courtright A, Andreychuk S, Frolic A, Cheng J, Kam AJ. Ethics consultation in paediatric and adult emergency departments: an assessment of clinical, ethical, learning and resource needs. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2018; 44:13-20. [PMID: 28751469 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2016-103531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to understand ethics and education needs of emergency nurses and physicians in paediatric and adult emergency departments (EDs) in order to build ethics capacity and provide a foundation for the development of an ethics education programme. METHODS This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of all staff nurses and physicians in three tertiary care EDs. The survey tool, called Clinical Ethics Needs Assessment Survey, was pilot tested on a similar target audience for question content and clarity. RESULTS Of the 123 participants surveyed, 72% and 84% of nurses and physicians fully/somewhat agreed with an overall positive ethical climate, respectively. 69% of participants reported encountering daily or weekly ethical challenges. Participants expressed the greatest need for additional support to address moral distress (16%), conflict management with patients or families (16%) and resource issues (15%). Of the 23 reported occurrences of moral distress, 61% were associated with paediatric mental health cases. When asked how the ethics consultation service could be used in the ED, providing education to teams (42%) was the most desired method. CONCLUSIONS Nurses report a greater need for ethics education and resources compared with their physician colleagues. Ethical challenges in paediatric EDs are more prevalent than adult EDs and nurses voice specific moral distress that are different than adult EDs. These results highlight the need for a suitable educational strategy, which can be developed in collaboration with the leadership of each ED and team of hospital ethicists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Colaco
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alanna Courtright
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Andreychuk
- Office of Clinical and Organizational Ethics, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Frolic
- Office of Clinical and Organizational Ethics, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ji Cheng
- Biostatistics Unit, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - April Jacqueline Kam
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Koskenvuori J, Numminen O, Suhonen R. Ethical climate in nursing environment: A scoping review. Nurs Ethics 2017; 26:327-345. [DOI: 10.1177/0969733017712081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: In the past two decades, interest in the concept of ethical climate and in its research has increased in healthcare. Ethical climate is viewed as a type of organizational work climate, and defined as the shared perception of ethically correct behavior, and how ethical issues should be handled in the organization. Ethical climate as an important element of nursing environment has been the focus of several studies. However, scoping reviews of ethical climate research in nursing have not been conducted to guide further research in this area. Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is to describe and analyze studies focusing on ethical climate in nursing environment to elicit an overall picture of the research in this field. Methods: A scoping review methodology guided by Arksey and O’Malley and Levac et al. was used. Studies were identified by conducting electronic searches on PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO, and Scopus and Philosophers’ Index databases. Of 1051 citations, 56 articles matched the inclusion criteria. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted according to good scientific guidelines. Findings: Ethical climate is a topical research area which has been explored with different methods and outcomes, in different environments, and has mainly been perceived positively. The focus of the studies was on finding associations between ethical climate and work-related factors such as job satisfaction, moral distress, and turnover intentions. Methodologically, research was rather homogeneous using quantitative, descriptive, and correlative research designs. Conclusion: Novel perspectives and more diverse methodological approaches paying attentions to issues affecting generalizability of the findings could expand our knowledge in this area.
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Rushton CH. Moral Resilience: A Capacity for Navigating Moral Distress in Critical Care. AACN Adv Crit Care 2017; 27:111-9. [PMID: 26909461 DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2016275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynda Hylton Rushton
- Cynda Hylton Rushton is Anne and George L. Bunting Professor of Clinical Ethics and Professor of Nursing and Pediatrics, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1809 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205
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Abstract
: Moral distress is a pervasive problem in the nursing profession. An inability to act in alignment with one's moral values is detrimental not only to the nurse's well-being but also to patient care and clinical practice as a whole. Moral distress has typically been seen as characterized by powerlessness and victimization; we offer an alternate view. Ethically complex situations and experiences of moral distress can become opportunities for growth, empowerment, and increased moral resilience. This article outlines the concept and prevalence of moral distress, describes its impact and precipitating factors, and discusses promising practices and interventions.
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Abstract
Background: Moral distress is a complex phenomenon frequently experienced by critical care nurses. Ethical conflicts in this practice area are related to technological advancement, high intensity work environments, and end-of-life decisions. Objectives: An exploration of contemporary moral distress literature was undertaken to determine measurement, contributing factors, impact, and interventions. Review Methods: This state of the science review focused on moral distress research in critical care nursing from 2009 to 2015, and included 12 qualitative, 24 quantitative, and 6 mixed methods studies. Results: Synthesis of the scientific literature revealed inconsistencies in measurement, conflicting findings of moral distress and nurse demographics, problems with the professional practice environment, difficulties with communication during end-of-life decisions, compromised nursing care as a consequence of moral distress, and few effective interventions. Conclusion: Providing compassionate care is a professional nursing value and an inability to meet this goal due to moral distress may have devastating effects on care quality. Further study of patient and family outcomes related to nurse moral distress is recommended.
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Lemmenes D, Valentine P, Gwizdalski P, Vincent C, Liao C. Nurses’ perception of ethical climate at a large academic medical center. Nurs Ethics 2016; 25:724-733. [DOI: 10.1177/0969733016664980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nurses are confronted daily with ethical issues while providing patient care. Hospital ethical climates can affect nurses’ job satisfaction, organizational commitment, retention, and physician collaboration. Purpose: At a metropolitan academic medical center, we examined nurses’ perceptions of the ethical climate and relationships among ethical climate factors and nurse characteristics. Design/participants: We used a descriptive correlational design and nurses ( N = 475) completed Olson’s Hospital Ethical Climate Survey. Data were analyzed using STATA. Ethical considerations: Approvals by the Nursing Research Council and Institutional Review Board were obtained; participants’ rights were protected. Results: Nurses reported an ethical climate total mean score of 3.22 ± 0.65 that varied across factors; significant differences were found for ethical climate scores by nurses’ age, race, and specialty area. Conclusion: These findings contribute to what is known about ethical climate and nurses’ characteristics and provides the foundation to develop strategies to improve the ethical climate in work settings.
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Prentice T, Janvier A, Gillam L, Davis PG. Moral distress within neonatal and paediatric intensive care units: a systematic review. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:701-8. [PMID: 26801075 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on moral distress experienced by nursing and medical professionals within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). DESIGN Pubmed, EBSCO (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL and Medline) and Scopus were searched using the terms neonat*, infant*, pediatric*, prematur* or preterm AND (moral distress OR moral responsibility OR moral dilemma OR conscience OR ethical confrontation) AND intensive care. RESULTS 13 studies on moral distress published between January 1985 and March 2015 met our inclusion criteria. Fewer than half of those studies (6) were multidisciplinary, with a predominance of nursing staff responses across all studies. The most common themes identified were overly 'burdensome' and disproportionate use of technology perceived not to be in a patient's best interest, and powerlessness to act. Concepts of moral distress are expressed differently within nursing and medical literature. In nursing literature, nurses are often portrayed as victims, with physicians seen as the perpetrators instigating 'aggressive care'. Within medical literature moral distress is described in terms of dilemmas or ethical confrontations. CONCLUSIONS Moral distress affects the care of patients in the NICU and PICU. Empirical data on multidisciplinary populations remain sparse, with inconsistent definitions and predominantly small sample sizes limiting generalisability of studies. Longitudinal data reflecting the views of all stakeholders, including parents, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Prentice
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annie Janvier
- Division of Neonatology and Clinical Ethics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Davis
- Department of Newborn Research, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lamiani G, Borghi L, Argentero P. When healthcare professionals cannot do the right thing: A systematic review of moral distress and its correlates. J Health Psychol 2016. [PMID: 26220460 DOI: 10.1177/1359105315595120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Moral distress occurs when professionals cannot carry out what they believe to be ethically appropriate actions. This review describes the publication trend on moral distress and explores its relationships with other constructs. A bibliometric analysis revealed that since 1984, 239 articles were published, with an increase after 2011. Most of them (71%) focused on nursing. Of the 239 articles, 17 empirical studies were systematically analyzed. Moral distress correlated with organizational environment (poor ethical climate and collaboration), professional attitudes (low work satisfaction and engagement), and psychological characteristics (low psychological empowerment and autonomy). Findings revealed that moral distress negatively affects clinicians' wellbeing and job retention. Further studies should investigate protective psychological factors to develop preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lamiani
- 1 University of Milan, Italy.,2 University of Pavia, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing as an ethical practice requires courage to be moral, taking tough stands for what is right, and living by one's moral values. Nurses need moral courage in all areas and at all levels of nursing. Along with new interest in virtue ethics in healthcare, interest in moral courage as a virtue and a valued element of human morality has increased. Nevertheless, what the concept of moral courage means in nursing contexts remains ambiguous. OBJECTIVE This article is an analysis of the concept of moral courage in nursing. DESIGN Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis provided the framework to conduct the analysis. DATA SOURCES The literature search was carried out in September 2015 in six databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and The Philosopher's Index. The following key words were used: "moral" OR "ethical" AND "courage" OR "strength" AND "nurs*" with no time limit. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 studies were included in the final analysis. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted according to good scientific guidelines. RESULTS Seven core attributes of moral courage were identified: true presence, moral integrity, responsibility, honesty, advocacy, commitment and perseverance, and personal risk. Antecedents were ethical sensitivity, conscience, and experience. Consequences included personal and professional development and empowerment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This preliminary clarification warrants further exploring through theoretical and philosophical literature, expert opinions, and empirical research to gain validity and reliability for its application in nursing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garros
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, 3A3 WC Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
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