Impact of a pediatric quality of life program on providers' moral distress
Debra Brandon1, Donna Ryan, Richard Sloane
1Debra Brandon is PhD and Postdoctoral Program Director, Duke University School of Nursing; Associate Professor, Duke University School of Nursing and School of Medicine, Durham, NC. The author can be reached via e-mail at debra.brandon@duke.edu Donna Ryan is Clinical Instructor, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC. Richard Sloane is Biostatistician, Center for Aging, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC. Sharron L. Docherty is Associate Professor, School of Nursing; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine; Co-Director, Adapt Center for Cognitive/Affective Symptom Science, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC.
Insights
The new Pediatric Quality of Life (QoL) Program reduced moral distress in healthcare providers (HCPs), decreasing the frequency of morally distressing situations and improving work-life balance. This palliative care initiative enhanced provider comfort and competence in pediatric care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Healthcare Provider Well-being
- Moral Distress in Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric healthcare providers (HCPs) experience significant moral distress.
- Moral distress can negatively impact HCPs' work quality of life and retention.
- The introduction of specialized programs may mitigate moral distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a new pediatric palliative care program on moral distress among pediatric HCPs.
- To assess changes in the intensity and frequency of moral distress following program implementation.
- To understand how the program affects HCPs' perception of their work and intention to leave the institution.
Main Methods:
- A before-and-after cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- The study included nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, dieticians, chaplains, and administrators at a tertiary medical center.
- Moral distress was measured using intensity and frequency scales.
Main Results:
- The intensity of moral distress related to "work quality of life" decreased post-implementation.
- Situations involving care not being in the patient's best interest occurred less frequently.
- Fewer providers considered leaving the institution after the program's introduction.
Conclusions:
- The Pediatric QoL Program reduced the frequency of morally distressing situations for providers.
- Providers reported increased comfort and competence in delivering quality of life-focused care.
- Palliative care programs, through activities like debriefing and education, can enhance HCPs' work quality of life.
Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of the introduction of a new pediatric palliative care program on the pattern of moral distress in pediatric healthcare providers (HCPs).
Study Design And Methods:
We used a before and after cross-sectional survey design to study the impact of the Pediatric Quality of Life (QoL) Program on the moral distress of pediatric HCPs at a single center. Moral distress is measured in both intensity and frequency. The sample came from lists of all pediatric providers (nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, dieticians, chaplains, administrators) serving the inpatient and outpatient pediatric areas of a southeastern academic tertiary medical center.
Results:
The intensity of moral distress from situations focused on "individual responsibility" and "not in the best interest of the patient" were similar before and after program implementation, but the intensity of distress related to "work quality of life" decreased after program implementation. Situations causing moral distress when the "care given was not in the patient's best interest" occurred less frequently after program implementation. Providers disagreed with statements that "work-related distress" impacted their personal or professional life. The number of providers who were considering leaving the institution within 6 months decreased following program implementation.
Clinical Implications:
After implementation of the Pediatric QoL Program, nurses and other providers encountered morally distressing situations less often. Providers also answered that they had greater comfort with and competence in providing care focused on patients' quality of life after completing the program. As palliative care programs include many activities that reduce moral distress, nurses should actively take advantage of participation in debriefing sessions and staff education to maximize their work quality of life.
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