Browsing by Author "Stewart, Jonathan D."

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    Studying Moral Distress (MD) and Moral Injury (MI) Among Inpatient and Outpatient Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Whitehead, Phyllis B.; Haisch, Carl E.; Hankey, Maria S.; Mutcheson, Brock; DeWitt, Sarah A.; Stewart, Christi A.; Stewart, Jonathan D.; Bath, Jennifer L.; Boone, Sherry M.; Jileaeva, Ilona; Faulks, Emily R.; Musick, David W. (2023-10-09)
    Background: COVID-19 increased moral distress (MD) and moral injury (MI) among healthcare professionals (HCPs). MD and MI were studied among inpatient and outpatient HCPs during March 2022. Objectives: We sought to examine (1) the relationship between MD and MI; (2) the relationship between MD/MI and pandemic-related burnout and resilience; and (3) the degree to which HCPs experienced pandemic-related MD and MI based on their background. Methods: A survey was conducted to measure MD, MI, burnout, resilience, and intent to leave healthcare at 2 academic medical centers during a 4-week period. A convenience sample of 184 participants (physicians, nurses, residents, respiratory therapists, advanced practice providers) completed the survey. In this mixed-methods approach, researchers analyzed both quantitative and qualitative survey data and triangulated the findings. Results: There was a moderate association between MD and MI (r = .47, P < .001). Regression results indicated that burnout was significantly associated with both MD and MI (P = .02 and P < .001, respectively), while intent to leave was associated only with MD (P < .001). Qualitative results yielded 8 sources of MD and MI: workload, distrust, lack of teamwork/collaboration, loss of connection, lack of leadership, futile care, outside stressors, and vulnerability. Conclusions: While interrelated conceptually, MD and MI should be viewed as distinct constructs. HCPs were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with MD and MI being experienced by all HCP categories. Understanding the sources of MD and MI among HCPs could help to improve well-being and work satisfaction.