Letters in High Energy Physics (Feb 2024)
Moral Distress among Critical Care Providers at the Largest Tertiary-Care Hospital in Makkah.
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare providers often experience moral distress when they recognize the appropriate course of action but encounter barriers that prevent them from acting in alignment with their ethical beliefs. Such distress may occur due to ethical dilemmas, seeing poor care being provided, or dealing with insufficient resources. Moral distress can have serious consequences, such as emotional fatigue, burnout, and dissatisfaction with work and in the end a negative effect on patient care. Objective the objective of this study is to assess the levels of moral distress among critical care professionals and to explore how demographic factors and professional roles influence their experiences with ethical dilemmas. Methods a quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized to evaluate moral distress among 200 critical care providers using the MDS-R, a 21-item Likert-type questionnaire. The survey was distributed via email, ensuring anonymity to encourage honest responses. Data were analyzed using SPSS software to calculate descriptive statistics and mean moral distress scores. Results the study revealed significant variations in moral distress levels across professional roles. Registered nurses reported the highest levels of distress, particularly in scenarios involving end-of-life care and organizational pressures. Physicians and respiratory therapists also experienced moral distress, though its sources and intensity varied. Overall, the findings demonstrate a strong correlation between moral distress and demographic factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Conclusion Moral distress is a widespread issue among critical care providers, with distinct differences observed based on professional roles and demographic characteristics. Tackling these issues is essential to ensure the well-being of the healthcare workforce and improve patient care. Our study highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing diverse ethical challenges among healthcare professionals.
