"Being prevented from providing good care: a conceptual analysis of moral stress among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic".

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health care workers (HCWs) are susceptible to moral stress and distress when they are faced with morally challenging situations where it is difficult to act in line with their moral standards. In times of crisis, such as disasters and pandemics, morally challenging situations are more frequent, due to the increased imbalance between patient needs and resources. However, the concepts of moral stress and distress vary and there is unclarity regarding the definitions used in the literature. This study aims to map and analyze the descriptions used by HCWs regarding morally challenging situations (moral stress) and refine a definition through conceptual analysis.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected in a survey of 16,044 Swedish HCWs who attended a COVID-19 online c

SUBMITTER: Gustavsson ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10710698 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature