Moral distress in pediatric nurses: A scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Ethics
• Pediatric Care

Background:

• Moral distress in pediatric nursing is increasingly recognized.
• Comprehensive literature reviews on this topic are limited.
• Understanding moral distress is crucial for pediatric nurses' well-being and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed overview of moral distress in pediatric nursing.
• To explore the characteristics, prevalence, causes, and consequences of moral distress.
• To assess the impact of moral distress on the quality of patient care.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology will be employed.
• Systematic searches will be conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL).
• Data will be extracted, categorized, and synthesized narratively.

Main Results:

• Anticipated findings will detail the nature and frequency of moral distress.
• The study will identify key drivers and contributing factors to moral distress.
• Consequences for healthcare practitioners and organizational practices will be elucidated.

Conclusions:

• The study will illuminate the multifaceted nature of moral distress in pediatric nursing.
• Findings are expected to inform interventions aimed at mitigating moral distress.
• Improved understanding will contribute to enhanced patient care quality and nursing practice.