Strategies to mitigate moral distress as reported by eldercare professionals
Tiina Koivisto, Maria Paavolainen1, Nina Olin1
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being
|February 19, 2024
Summary
Eldercare professionals face moral distress. This study found that mitigating moral distress requires strengthening ethical competence at organizational, workplace, and individual levels.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Healthcare Ethics
- Occupational Psychology
Background:
- Eldercare workers report higher moral distress than other healthcare professionals.
- Moral distress is a psychological response to morally challenging situations.
- Limited understanding exists regarding moral distress mitigation in eldercare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms for preventing and mitigating moral distress among eldercare professionals.
- To identify strategies for addressing moral distress within the eldercare sector.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study conducted in Finland in 2021.
- Utilized 39 semi-structured interviews.
- Data analyzed using a two-stage content analysis approach.
Main Results:
- Mitigation strategies for moral distress exist at organizational, workplace, and individual levels.
- Identified tools include organizational support, peer support, enhanced self-care, and patient advocacy.
- Qualitative data provided novel insights into mitigating moral distress in eldercare.
Conclusions:
- Ethical competence is crucial for mitigating moral distress in eldercare.
- Strengthening ethical competence across all organizational levels is recommended.
- Findings offer new perspectives on a under-researched area in eldercare ethics.
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