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Moral distress among Norwegian doctors
1Section for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130 Blindern, NO0318 Oslo, Norway. reidun.forde@medisin.uio.no
Journal of Medical Ethics
|July 2, 2008
Summary
Norwegian doctors experience moral distress due to limited resources and ethical dilemmas. Many feel unable to critique colleagues, and workplaces often lack strategies for resolving these issues.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Healthcare Management
- Physician Well-being
Background:
- Value conflicts and resource limitations create ethical dilemmas for physicians.
- Moral distress in healthcare professionals is a significant concern.
- Previous research on moral distress has primarily focused on nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess moral distress experienced by Norwegian doctors related to ethical dilemmas and resource scarcity.
- To investigate doctors' perceptions of their strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of 1497 Norwegian doctors participated in a 2004 postal survey.
- The survey included statements on workplace ethical dilemmas, values, and goals.
- A 67% response rate was achieved.
Main Results:
- 57% found it difficult to criticize colleagues for misconduct; 51% found acting against conscience distressing.
- 66% reported distress from long waiting lists and time constraints impacting patient care.
- Female doctors reported higher stress levels than male doctors; 44% noted a lack of workplace strategies for ethical dilemmas.
Conclusions:
- Resource scarcity contributes to moral dilemmas for physicians.
- Moral distress is influenced by medical specialty and gender.
- Inadequate strategies for ethical problem-solving and low tolerance for conflict hinder ethical dialogue and optimal solutions.
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