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Koivisto T, Paavolainen M, Olin N, Korkiakangas E, Laitinen J. Strategies to mitigate moral distress as reported by eldercare professionals. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2315635. [PMID: 38373153 PMCID: PMC10878340 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2315635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Eldercare workers experience higher levels of moral distress than other health and social care service workers. Moral distress is a psychological response to a morally challenging event. Very little is known about moral distress in the context of eldercare and about the mechanisms of preventing or mitigating moral distress. This qualitative study was conducted as part of the "Ensuring the availability of staff and the attractiveness of the sector in eldercareservices" project in Finland in 2021. The data were from 39 semi-structured interviews. This qualitative interview data were examined using two-stage content analysis. The key finding of this study, as reported by eldercare professionals, is that strategies to mitigate moral distress can be found at all organizational levels : organizational, workplace and individual. The tools that emerged from the interviews fell into four main categories:) organizational support and education 2) peer support 3) improving self-care and competence and 4) defending patients. The main identified categories confirmed the earlier findings but the qualitative, rich research interview data provided new insights into a little-studied topic: mitigating moral distress in eldercare. The main conclusion is that, in order to mitigate moral distress, ethical competence needs to be strengthened at all organizational levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Koivisto
- CONTACT Tiina Koivisto Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, Helsinki00032, Finland
| | | | - Nina Olin
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Amos V, Whitehead P, Epstein B. Moral Distress Consultation Services: Insights from Consultants. HEC Forum 2024:10.1007/s10730-024-09535-4. [PMID: 39096423 DOI: 10.1007/s10730-024-09535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Moral distress reflects often recurrent problems within a healthcare environment that impact the quality and safety of patient care. Examples include inadequate staffing, lack of necessary resources, and poor interprofessional teamwork. Recognizing and acting on these issues demonstrates a collaborative and organizational commitment to improve. Moral distress consultation is a health system-wide intervention gaining momentum in the United States. Moral distress consultants assist healthcare providers in identifying and strategizing possible solutions to the patient, team, and systemic barriers behind moral distress. Moral distress consultants offer unique perspectives on the goals, successes, areas for improvement, and sustainability of moral distress consultation. Their ideas can help shape this intervention's continued growth and improvement. This qualitative descriptive study features 10 semi-structured interviews with moral distress consultants at two institutions with longstanding, active moral distress consultation services. Themes from consultant transcripts included consultant training, understanding the purpose of moral distress consultation, interfacing with leadership teams, defining success, and improving visibility and sustainability of the service. These findings describe the beginnings of a framework that organizations can use to either start or strengthen moral distress consultation services, as well as the first steps in developing an evaluation tool to monitor their utility and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Amos
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | | | - Beth Epstein
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Mehta LS, Churchwell K, Coleman D, Davidson J, Furie K, Ijioma NN, Katz JN, Moutier C, Rove JY, Summers R, Vela A, Shanafelt T. Fostering Psychological Safety and Supporting Mental Health Among Cardiovascular Health Care Workers: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2024; 150:e51-e61. [PMID: 38813685 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The psychological safety of health care workers is an important but often overlooked aspect of the rising rates of burnout and workforce shortages. In addition, mental health conditions are prevalent among health care workers, but the associated stigma is a significant barrier to accessing adequate care. More efforts are therefore needed to foster health care work environments that are safe and supportive of self-care. The purpose of this brief document is to promote a culture of psychological safety in health care organizations. We review ways in which organizations can create a psychologically safe workplace, the benefits of a psychologically safe workplace, and strategies to promote mental health and reduce suicide risk.
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Oelhafen S, Monteverde S, Trachsel M. Overestimating prevalence? Rethinking boundaries and confounders of moral distress. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241253233. [PMID: 38780231 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241253233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Moral distress denotes a negative reaction to a morally challenging situation. It has been associated with adverse outcomes for healthcare professionals, patients and healthcare institutions. We argue that existing definitions, along with measures of moral distress, compromise the validity of empirical research. First, the definition and measurement of moral distress conflate moral events and psychological distress, even though they are distinct phenomena that should be assessed independently. Second, in many studies, there is a lack of clarity in distinguishing between moral and non-moral events. Finally, prior research on moral distress often overlooks the substantial body of evidence demonstrating the impact of diverse work-related factors, beyond moral events, on both distress and job retention. These challenges might undermine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at alleviating moral distress. We outline a comprehensive research agenda that encompasses conceptual clarifications, the refinement of data collection instruments, the design of studies and the application of appropriate statistical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Settimio Monteverde
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital Basel (USB), University Psychiatric Clinics (UPK) Basel, Geriatric University Hospital Felix Platter Basel, and University Children's Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Jakobsen L, Olsen RM, Brinchmann BS, Devik SA. Digital ethical reflection in home nursing care: Nurse leaders' and nurses' experiences. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241244543. [PMID: 38606684 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241244543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurse leaders increasingly need effective tools that facilitate the prioritisation of ethics and help staff navigate ethical challenges and prevent moral distress. This study examined experiences with a new digital tool for ethical reflection, tailored to improve the capabilities of both leaders and employees in the context of municipal long-term care. AIM The aim was to explore the experiences of nurse leaders and nurses in using Digital Ethical Reflection as a tool for ethics work in home nursing care. RESEARCH DESIGN The study employed a qualitative design, incorporating individual and focus group interviews for data collection. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT The participants comprised six nurse leaders and 13 nurses, representing six home care zones across two Norwegian municipalities. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The study involved informed, voluntary participation and was approved by the Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research. FINDINGS Four themes were developed: a constant walk on the edge between engagement and discouragement and lost in translation describe the process, while tuning in to the ethical dimension and navigating ethical uncertainties illuminate the experienced significance of Digital Ethical Reflection. CONCLUSION Success with Digital Ethical Reflection in home nursing care depends on clear leadership planning, nurses' understanding of the tool's purpose, and active use of digital registrations. Support from ethically interested nurses enhances overall engagement. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Digital Ethical Reflection as an additional tool in long-term care ethics work.
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Lamoureux S, Mitchell AE, Forster EM. Moral distress among acute mental health nurses: A systematic review. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241238337. [PMID: 38490947 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241238337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Moral distress has been identified as an occupational hazard for clinicians caring for vulnerable populations. The aim of this systematic review was (i) to summarize the literature reporting on prevalence of, and factors related to, moral distress among nurses within acute mental health settings, and (ii) to examine the efficacy of interventions designed to address moral distress among nurses within this clinical setting. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in October 2022 utilizing Nursing & Allied Health, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and PubMed databases to identify eligible studies published in English from January 2000 to October 2022. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Four quantitative studies assessed moral distress among nurses in acute mental health settings and examined relationships between moral distress and other psychological and work-related variables. Six qualitative studies explored the phenomenon of moral distress as experienced by nurses working in acute mental health settings. The quantitative studies assessed moral distress using the Moral Distress Scale for Psychiatric Nurses (MDS-P) or the Work-Related Moral Stress Questionnaire. These studies identified relationships between moral distress and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, cynicism, poorer job satisfaction, less sense of coherence, poorer moral climate, and less experience of moral support. Qualitative studies revealed factors associated with moral distress, including lack of action, poor conduct by colleagues, time pressures, professional, policy and legal implications, aggression, and patient safety. No interventions targeting moral distress among nurses in acute mental health settings were identified. Overall, this review identified that moral distress is prevalent among nurses working in acute mental health settings and is associated with poorer outcomes for nurses, patients, and organizations. Research is urgently needed to develop and test evidence-based interventions to address moral distress among mental health nurses and to evaluate individual and system-level intervention effects on nurses, clinical care, and patient outcomes.
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Miller PH, Epstein EG, Smith TB, Welch TD, Smith M, Bail JR. Critical care nurse leaders' moral distress: A qualitative descriptive study. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241238347. [PMID: 38476080 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241238347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unit-based critical care nurse leaders (UBCCNL) play a role in exemplifying ethical leadership, addressing moral distress, and mitigating contributing factors to moral distress on their units. Despite several studies examining the experience of moral distress by bedside nurses, knowledge is limited regarding the UBCCNL's experience. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of Alabama UBCCNLs regarding how they experience, cope with, and address moral distress. RESEARCH DESIGN A qualitative descriptive design and inductive thematic analysis guided the investigation. A screening and demographics questionnaire and a semi-structured interview protocol were the tools of data collection. PARTICIPANT AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Data were collected from 10 UBCCNLs from seven hospitals across the state of Alabama from February to July 2023. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Informed consent was obtained from participants prior to data collection. FINDINGS UBCCNLs experience moral distress frequently due to a variety of systemic and organizational barriers. Feelings of powerlessness tended to precipitate moral distress among UBCCNLs. Despite moral distress resulting in increased advocacy and empathy, UBCCNLs may experience a variety of negative responses resulting from moral distress. UBCCNLs may utilize internal and external mechanisms to cope with and address moral distress. CONCLUSIONS The UBCCNL's experience of moral distress is not dissimilar from bedside staff; albeit, moral distress does occur as a result of the responsibilities of leadership and the associated systemic barriers that UBCCNLs are privier to. When organizations allocate resources for addressing moral distress, they should be convenient to leaders and staff. The UBCCNL perspective should be considered in the development of future moral distress measurement tools and interventions. Future research exploring the relationship between empathy and moral distress among nurse leaders is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preston H Miller
- University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing; The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
| | | | - Todd B Smith
- The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
| | | | - Miranda Smith
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing
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Gehrke P, Campbell K, Tsang JLY, Hannon RA, Jack SM. Canadian intensive care unit nurses' responses to moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their recommendations for mitigative interventions. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38459779 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To describe intensive care unit nurses' experiences of moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their recommendations for mitigative interventions. DESIGN Interpretive description. METHODS Data were collected with a purposeful sample of 40 Canadian intensive care unit nurses between May and September 2021. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire, the Measure of Moral Distress-Healthcare Professionals survey and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were categorized and synthesized using reflexive thematic analysis and rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS Half of the nurses in this sample reported moderate levels of moral distress. In response to moral distress, nurses experienced immediate and long-term effects across multiple health domains. To cope, nurses discussed varied reactions, including action, avoidance and acquiescence. Nurses provided recommendations for interventions across multiple organizations to mitigate moral distress and negative health outcomes. CONCLUSION Nurses reported that moral distress drove negative health outcomes and attrition in response to moral events in practice. To change these conditions of moral distress, nurses require organizational investments in interventions and cultures that prioritize the inclusion of nursing perspectives and voices. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION Nurses engage in a variety of responses to cope with moral distress. They possess valuable insights into the practice issues central to moral distress that have significant implications for all members of the healthcare teams, patients and systems. It is essential that nurses' voices be included in the development of future interventions central to the responses to moral distress. REPORTING METHOD This study adheres to COREQ guidelines. IMPACT What Problem did the Study Address? Given the known structural, systemic and environmental factors that contribute to intensive care unit nurses' experiences of moral distress, and ultimately burnout and attrition, it was important to learn about their experiences of moral distress and their recommendations for organizational mitigative interventions. Documentation of these experiences and recommendations took on a greater urgency during the context of a global health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, where such contextual influences on moral distress were less understood. What Were the Main Findings? Over half of the nurses reported a moderate level of moral distress. Nurses who were considering leaving nursing practice reported higher moral distress scores than those who were not considering leaving. In response to moral distress, nurses experienced a variety of outcomes across several health domains. To cope with moral distress, nurses engaged in patterns of action, avoidance and acquiescence. To change the conditions of moral distress, nurses desire organizational interventions, practices and culture changes situated in the amplification of their voices. Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact on? These findings will be of interest to: (1) researchers developing and evaluating interventions that address the complex phenomenon of moral distress, (2) leaders and administrators in hospitals, and relevant healthcare and nursing organizations, and (3) nurses interested in leveraging evidence-informed recommendations to advocate for interventions to address moral distress. What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Community? This paper advances the body of scientific work on nurses' experiences of moral distress, capturing this phenomenon within the unique context of a global health emergency. Nurses' levels of moral distress using Measure of Moral Distress-Healthcare Professional survey were reported, serving as a comparator for future studies seeking to measure and evaluate intensive care unit nurses' levels of moral distress. Nurses' recommendations for mitigative interventions for moral distress have been reported, which can help inform future interventional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Gehrke
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Campbell
- School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Y Tsang
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Niagara Health Knowledge Institute, Niagara Health, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Hannon
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan M Jack
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Fantus S, Cole R, Usset TJ, Hawkins LE. Multi-professional perspectives to reduce moral distress: A qualitative investigation. Nurs Ethics 2024:9697330241230519. [PMID: 38317421 DOI: 10.1177/09697330241230519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encounters of moral distress have long-term consequences on healthcare workers' physical and mental health, leading to job dissatisfaction, reduced patient care, and high levels of burnout, exhaustion, and intentions to quit. Yet, research on approaches to ameliorate moral distress across the health workforce is limited. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to qualitatively explore multi-professional perspectives of healthcare social workers, chaplains, and patient liaisons on ways to reduce moral distress and heighten well-being at a southern U.S. academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS & RESEARCH CONTEXT Purposive sampling and chain-referral methods assisted with recruitment through hospital listservs, staff meetings, and newsletters. Interested participants contacted the principal investigator and all interviews were conducted in-person. Consent was attained prior to interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. RESEARCH DESIGN Directed content analysis was used to deductively organize codes and to develop themes in conjunction with the National Academy of Medicine's National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. Rigor was attained through peer-debriefing, data triangulation methods, and frequent research team meetings. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Ethics approval was obtained from the university and medical center institutional review boards. FINDINGS Themes demonstrate that rather than offering interventions in the aftermath of moral distress, multilevel daily practices ought to be considered that pre-emptively identify and reduce morally distressing encounters through (1) the care team, (2) management and leadership, and (3) the health care industry. Strategies include interdisciplinary decision-making, trusting managerial relationships, and organizational policies and practices that explicitly invest in mental health promotion and diverse leadership opportunities. CONCLUSION Moral distress interventions ought to target short-term stress reactions while also addressing the long-term impacts of moral residue. Health systems must financially commit to an ethical workplace culture that explicitly values mental health and well-being.
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Abdollahi R, Ghasemianrad M, Hosseinian-Far A, Rasoulpoor S, Salari N, Mohammadi M. Nurses' moral courage and related factors: A systematic review. Appl Nurs Res 2024; 75:151768. [PMID: 38490799 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2024.151768] [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] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses face various ethical conflicts when taking care of patients, and such conflicts require moral courage. This systematic review was conducted with the aim of investigating moral courage and its related factors among nurses. METHODS To find related studies, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase and Science Direct databases were searched using keywords such as Courage, Moral Courage, and Nurses, and no lower time limit was imposed when conducting the searches. The identified studies were published between January 2000 and March 2023. Quality of articles was assessed using the STROBE checklist. RESULTS The pooled sample size for the 19 included studies was 7863. All studies were observational and cross-sectional. The results showed that three categories of factors most related to moral courage are individual, moral, and factors related to the organization. Underlying factors of each category are also provided within this paper. CONCLUSION Moral courage is an integral part of nursing, which as a profession, is becoming even more challenging with the advancement of science and technology. Therefore, there is a need for nurses and especially nursing managers to be considerate of factors affecting moral courage of nurses, with a view to strengthening the positive factors and reducing the negative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Abdollahi
- Nursing and Midwifery School, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Amin Hosseinian-Far
- Department of Business Systems & Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Shabnam Rasoulpoor
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Nader Salari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran.
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Morley G, Sankary LR. Nurturing moral community: A novel moral distress peer support navigator tool. Nurs Ethics 2023:9697330231221220. [PMID: 38149497 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231221220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Moral distress is a pervasive phenomenon in healthcare for which there is no straightforward "solution." Rhetoric surrounding moral distress has shifted over time, with some scholars arguing that moral distress needs to be remedied, resolved, and eradicated, while others recognize that moral distress can have some positive value. The authors of this paper recognize that moral distress has value in its function as a warning sign, signaling the presence of an ethical issue related to patient care that requires deeper exploration, rather than evidencing identification of the "right" course of action. Once the experience of moral distress is identified, steps ought to be taken to clarify the moral issue, and, if possible and reasonable, the patient's values ought to be prioritized. This paper offers concrete actions steps, drawn from theory, which can be used in clinical practice to provide peer support or to facilitate self-reflection for morally distressed individuals. This approach empowers morally distressed individuals to explore ethical issues, identify concrete steps that can be taken, and mitigate feelings of powerlessness that are often associated with moral-constraint distress. The questions guide individuals and peers to reflect first on the micro-space and then more broadly on the institutional culture, facilitating meso- and macro-reflection and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Morley
- Nursing Ethics Program, Center for Bioethics, Stanley S. Zielony Institute for Nursing Excellence, Cleveland Clinic Health System
| | - Lauren R Sankary
- Neuroethics Program, Center for Bioethics, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Health System
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Palmer JA, Mccullough M, Wormwood J, Soylemez Wiener R, Mesfin N, Still M, Xu CS, Linsky AM. Addressing clinician moral distress: Implications from a mixed methods evaluation during Covid-19. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291542. [PMID: 37713379 PMCID: PMC10503769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinician moral distress has been documented over the past several decades as occurring within numerous healthcare disciplines, often in relation to clinicians' involvement in patients' end-of-life decision-making. The resulting harms impact clinician well-being, patient well-being, and healthcare system functioning. Given Covid-19's catastrophic death toll and associated demands on end-of-life decision-making processes, the pandemic represents a particularly important context within which to understand clinician moral distress. Thus, we conducted a convergent mixed methods study to examine its prevalence, associations with clinicians' demographic and professional characteristics, and contributing circumstances among Veterans Health Administration (VA) clinicians. The study, conducted in April 2021, consisted of a cross-sectional on-line survey of VA clinicians at 20 VA Medical Centers with professional jurisdiction to place life-sustaining treatment orders working who were from a number of select specialties. The survey collected quantitative data on respondents' demographics, clinical practice characteristics, attitudes and behaviors related to goals of care conversations, intensity of moral distress during "peak-Covid," and qualitative data via an open-ended item asking for respondents to describe contributing circumstances if they had indicated any moral distress. To understand factors associated with heightened moral distress, we analyzed quantitative data using bivariate and multivariable regression analyses and qualitative data using a hybrid deductive/inductive thematic approach. Mixed methods analysis followed, whereby we compared the quantitative and qualitative datasets and integrated findings at the analytic level. Out of 3,396 eligible VA clinicians, 323 responded to the survey (9.5% adjusted response rate). Most respondents (81%) reported at least some moral distress during peak-Covid. In a multivariable logistic regression, female gender (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.53-7.37) was associated with greater odds of moral distress, and practicing in geriatrics/palliative care (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.87) and internal medicine/family medicine/primary care (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22-0.98) were associated with reduced odds of moral distress compared to medical subspecialties. From the 191 respondents who completed the open-ended item, five qualitative themes emerged as moral distress contributors: 1) patient visitation restrictions, 2) anticipatory actions, 3) clinical uncertainty related to Covid, 4) resource shortages, and 5) personal risk of contracting Covid. Mixed methods analysis found that quantitative results were consistent with these last two qualitative themes. In sum, clinician moral distress was prevalent early in the pandemic. This moral distress was associated with individual-, system-, and situation-level contributors. These identified contributors represent leverage points for future intervention to mitigate clinician moral distress and its negative outcomes during future healthcare crises and even during everyday clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Palmer
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Megan Mccullough
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jolie Wormwood
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nathan Mesfin
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael Still
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chris S. Xu
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amy M. Linsky
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Amos V, Phair N, Sullivan K, Wocial LD, Epstein B. A Novel Web-Based and Mobile Application to Measure Real-Time Moral Distress: An Initial Pilot and Feasibility Study. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2023; 49:494-501. [PMID: 37336696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.05.005] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM DEFINITION Moral distress (MoD) is a vital clinical indicator linked to clinician burnout and provider concerns about declining patient care quality. Yet it is not routinely assessed. Earlier, real-time recognition may better target interventions aimed at alleviating MoD and thereby increase provider well-being and improve patient care quality. INITIAL APPROACH AND TESTING Combining two validated MoD instruments (the Moral Distress Thermometer [MDT] and the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals [MMD-HP]), the authors developed a novel mobile and Web-based application environment to measure and report levels MoD and their associated causes. This app was tested for basic feasibility and acceptability in two groups: graduate nursing students and practicing critical care nurses. RESULTS The MDT app appears feasible and acceptable for future use. All participants (n = 34) indicated the MDT app was satisfying to use, and 91.2% (n = 31) indicated the app was "very appropriate" for measuring MoD. In addition, 84.2% (n =16) of practicing nurses indicated the app fit either "somewhat well" (47.4%, n = 9) or "very well" (36.8%, n = 7) into their typical workday, and 68.4% (n = 13) said they were either "extremely likely" or "somewhat likely" to use the app daily in clinical practice. KEY INSIGHTS AND NEXT STEPS Education about moral distress and its associated causes proved important to the MDT app's success. It is ready for future validity and reliability testing, as well as examining usability beyond nursing, longitudinal data monitoring, and possible leveraging to pre- and postintervention evaluation studies.
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Metselaar S, Molewijk B. Fostering moral resilience through moral case deliberation. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:730-745. [PMID: 37946387 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231183085] [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: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Moral distress forms a major threat to the well-being of healthcare professionals, and is argued to negatively impact patient care. It is associated with emotions such as anger, frustration, guilt, and anxiety. In order to effectively deal with moral distress, the concept of moral resilience is introduced as the positive capacity of an individual to sustain or restore their integrity in response to moral adversity. Interventions are needed that foster moral resilience among healthcare professionals. Ethics consultation has been proposed as such an intervention. In this paper, we add to this proposition by discussing Moral Case Deliberation (MCD) as a specific form of clinical ethics support that promotes moral resilience. We argue that MCD in general may contribute to the moral resilience of healthcare professionals as it promotes moral agency. In addition, we focus on three specific MCD reflection methods: the Dilemma Method, the Aristotelian moral inquiry into emotions, and CURA, a method consisting of four main steps: Concentrate, Unrush, Reflect, and Act. In practice, all three methods are used by nurse ethicists or by nurses who received training to facilitate reflection sessions with these methods. We maintain that these methods also have specific elements that promote moral resilience. However, the Dilemma Method fosters dealing well with tragedy, the latter two promote moral resilience by including attention to emotions as part of the reflection process. We will end with discussing the importance of future empirical research on the impact of MCD on moral resilience, and of comparing MCD with other interventions that seek to mitigate moral distress and promote moral resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Metselaar
- Department of Ethics, Law, and Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Molewijk
- Department of Ethics, Law, and Humanities, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rubin MA, Riecke J, Heitman E. Futility and Shared Decision-Making. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:455-467. [PMID: 37407099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Medical futility is an ancient and yet consistent challenge in clinical medicine. The means of balancing conflicting priorities and stakeholders' preferences has changed as much as the science that powers the understanding and treatment of disease. The introduction of patient self-determination and choice in medical decision-making shifted the locus of power in the physician-patient relationship but did not obviate the physician's responsibilities to provide benefit and prevent harm. As we have refined the process in time, new paradigms, specialists, and tools have been developed to help navigate the ever-changing landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Rubin
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8855, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8855, USA.
| | - Jenny Riecke
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8855, USA; Department of Palliative Care, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8855, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heitman
- Program in Ethics in Science and Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, NC5.832, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA; Department of Applied Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, NC5.832, Dallas, TX 75390-9070, USA
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Fischer-Grönlund C, Brännström M, Isaksson U. Psychometric testing of the Swedish version of the measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP). BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:35. [PMID: 37254086 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00916-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral distress has been described as moral constraints and uncertainty connected with guilty feelings of being unable to give care in accordance with one's values for good care. Various instruments to measure moral distress have been developed. The instrument measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP) was developed to capture the experience and frequency of moral distress among various healthcare professionals. The MMD-HP has been translated and culturally adapted into the Swedish language and context; however, the translation has not been validated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the measure of moral distress for healthcare professionals (MMD-HP). METHODS Eighty-nine staff from various professions at a hospital in northern Sweden participated in the study. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check for consistency with the original version of the MMD-HP. To evaluate internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was calculated for each domain and for the scale as a whole. RESULTS The scale as a whole showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96, with a range between 0.84 and 0.90 between the different subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis based on the original four-factor structure showed good fit indices with a χ2/df of 0.67, CFI at 1.00, TLI at 1.02 and NFI at 0.97. RMSEA was at 0.00, and SRMR was at 0.08. A comparison of the total score between three equally large groups of years of experience at the present workplace showed no significant differences (F = 0.09, df = 2, p = 0.912). CONCLUSIONS We found that the Swedish version of the MMD-HP has shown validity and reliability for use in a Swedish context for measuring moral distress among health personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margareta Brännström
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Campus Skellefteå, 93187, Skellefteå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Isaksson
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Linnaeus v 9, 90736, Umeå, Sweden
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Tetzlaff ED, Hylton HM, Ruth KJ, Hasse Z, Hall MJ. Moral Distress, Organizational Climate, and the Risk of Burnout Among Physician Assistants in Oncology. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e639-e649. [PMID: 36780593 PMCID: PMC10414748 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Moral distress (MD) is the result of barriers or constraints that prevent providers from carrying out what they believe to be ethically appropriate care. This study was initiated to explore associations between MD, burnout, and the organizational climate (OC) for oncology physician assistants (PAs). METHODS A national survey of oncology PAs was conducted to explore the associations between MD, OC, and burnout. The Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care OC Questionnaire was revised for oncology PAs to assess OC for PA practice. MD and burnout were assessed using the Measure of MD-Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS One hundred forty-six oncology PAs are included in the analysis. PAs were mostly female (90%), White/Caucasian (84%), married/partnered (78%), and in medical oncology (73%), with mean age 41.0 years. The mean MMD-HP score for oncology PAs was 71.5 and there was no difference in MD scores on the basis of oncology subspecialty, practice setting, practice type, or hours worked per week. PAs currently considering leaving their position because of MD had significantly higher mean scores on the MMD-HP compared with those not considering leaving their position (108.2 v 64.8; P = .001). PAs with burnout also had significantly higher mean scores for MD compared with PAs without burnout (97.6 v 54.3; P < .001). A negative relationship between OC for PA practice and MD was only found for the PA-administration relations subscale, whereas all subscales were negatively associated with burnout. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the risk of professional burnout increases significantly with increasing levels of MD. Additional research exploring the relationship between MD and burnout is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather M. Hylton
- Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, Altamonte Springs, FL
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Moral Distress in the ICU: Measuring, Tracking, and Responding to Staff Experiences. NURSE LEADER 2023. [PMCID: PMC10064175 DOI: 10.1016/j.mnl.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Until the surges of COVID-19 patients overwhelmed our health care system, moral distress was largely unknown outside of health care. We conducted a study in a 36-bed intensive care unit (ICU) over an 8-week period to determine the severity and contributing factors to clinicians’ moral distress and how their moral distress impacted intent to leave, and to assess utilization of resources to mitigate the problem. This article describes the level of moral distress experienced by ICU staff, the disparity between hospital-provided resources and the contributing factors of moral distress, and the potential financial cost of job turnover due to moral distress.
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Delany C, McDougall R. Support for clinicians with moral loss after the pandemic. BMJ 2023; 380:e072629. [PMID: 36997198 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Delany
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Children's Bioethics Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosalind McDougall
- Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
- Clinical Ethics Unit, Department of Surgery Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne
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Koonce M, Hyrkas K. Moral distress and spiritual/religious orientation: Moral agency, norms and resilience. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:288-301. [PMID: 36536511 DOI: 10.1177/09697330221122905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses tasked with providing care which they perceive as increasing suffering often experience moral distress. Response to moral distress in nurse wellbeing has been widely studied. Less research exists that probes practicing nurses' foundations of moral beliefs. AIMS The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain understanding of nurse meaning-making of morally distressing situations, with particular attention to ethical norms, moral agency and resiliency, and nurse religious/spiritual orientation. DESIGN This exploratory study employed semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions. Qualitative data analysis was assisted by MAXQDA software. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT Nine pulmonary care nurses during COVID-19 in a tertiary care teaching hospital in the northeastern United States. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The study was approved by the IRB. Participants were consented before the study and confidentiality was preserved. FINDINGS/RESULTS The study revealed three main themes of meaning-making, rooted in the identity of the "good nurse": Being true to one's own values, pursuing ideal patient care ("doing good"), and conforming to/challenging values of the system and culture. Tensions were found between (a) nurse's own values (b) duty to institutional norms and duty to nurse's personal code of ethics, and (c) perceptions of institutional support in response to nurse moral distress. Religion was described as a remote source of nurse moral values, among other sources. Spiritual practices were not experienced as sufficient in coping with moral distress at the bedside. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests nurses need more opportunities to engage in reflection on their practice and values. The findings also indicate need for accessible institutional supports for nurses experiencing moral distress and strategic use of chaplains in helping with moral distress. Further research is needed on the interplay of nurse spirituality, moral agency, and reflective practice in the face of morally challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna Koonce
- Spiritual Care Coordinator for Palliative Medicine, 92602Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Kristiina Hyrkas
- Center for Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes, 92602Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
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Ashida K, Kawashima T, Molewijk AC, de Snoo-Trimp JC, Kawakami A, Tanaka M. Moral distress reduction using moral case deliberation in Japan: A mixed-methods study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2023:e12528. [PMID: 36758945 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12528] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to develop and examine the effectiveness of a support program for reducing moral distress of nurses, based on the moral case deliberation methodology, and to study the feasibility of its implementation. METHODS Study design was an intervention study with pre/post-comparison. The support program included a short lecture and three moral case deliberation sessions for nurses working in an acute care hospital. The Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) and the Euro-MCD (Moral Case Deliberation) 2.0 scale were used for pre/post-comparison, using the Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Furthermore, post-intervention interviews were conducted with consenting participants to determine the reasons for changes in pre/post-intervention quantitative data. Of the 34 participants, 29 completed the post-questionnaire and were included in the quantitative data analysis, and 27 were included in the qualitative data analysis. RESULTS The mean MMD-HP total scores increased from 147.5 ± 61.0 to 159.3 ± 66.7, but not significantly (p = .375). The mean score of moral competence, a sub-scale of the Euro-MCD 2.0, increased significantly from 15.4 ± 2.4 to 16.4 ± 2.8 after the intervention (p = .036). A qualitative analysis revealed increased moral sensitivity to ethically difficult situations and improved analytical skills as the reasons for change in scores pre/post-intervention. CONCLUSION The results of the qualitative analysis suggested the effectiveness of the intervention. The moral distress score increased, although not significantly, and moral competence also increased, suggesting the participants' values changed after the intervention. It was found that the support program using MCD is expected to improve participants' moral competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Ashida
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Kanto Gakuin University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tetsuharu Kawashima
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.,Kanto Gakuin University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Albert C Molewijk
- Department of Medical Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aki Kawakami
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Tanaka
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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Elderly Care Practitioners' Perceptions of Moral Distress in the Work Development Discussions. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030291. [PMID: 36766866 PMCID: PMC9914093 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030291] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Elderly care practitioners are at specific risk of experiencing prolonged moral distress, which is associated with occupational health-related problems, low job satisfaction, and staff turnover. So far, little attention has been paid to the moral concerns specific to elderly care, a field whose importance is constantly growing as the populations in Western countries age. By drawing on seven workshop conversations as data and interaction-oriented focus group research, conversation analysis and discursive psychology as methods, we aim to study the ways in which elderly care practitioners discuss moral distress in their work. We found that the moral distress experienced was related to three topics that arose when client work and teamwork contexts were discussed: the power to influence, equal treatment of people, and collaboration. The interaction in client work and teamwork contexts differed systematically. The discussion on client work was characterised by negotiations on the rights and wrongs of care work, whereas the teamwork discussion engendered emotional outbursts, a potential manifestation of work-related burnout. Hence, attempts to improve the work-related health of elderly care practitioners require time and space for sharing the emotional load, followed by reflection on what could be improved in the work and what institutional solutions could help in morally distressing situations.
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