Abstract
BackgroundHealth care professionals find themselves participating in insignificant events in human existence such as birth, pain, and death which is a privilege but also poses challenges as this participation involves decisions that can be life-changing and having an effect on everyone involved. The study aimed to explore moral distress within the context of Saudi Arabia.MethodologyA simple qualitative design was used with a research paradigm of constructivism. Data collection included in-depth interviews with five critical care nurses who were purposively sampled. The setting for the study was the critical care units at King Abdul- Aziz Medical City- Jeddah. Data analysis included content analysis. Principles of academic rigor were followed.FindingsTwo themes emerged from this study with various subthemes. Theme 1: Turning away from nursing obligations: hands are tied, the burden of workload, no voice, not honoring oath; Theme 2: Bad practice: hierarchy in practice and feeling guilty.ConclusionsThis study highlights that moral distress within critical care units is a real problem that impacts on critical care nurses' physical and psychological stress. Health care institutions should mobilize resources to reduce these effects on critical care nurses and other health care professionals.
Highlights
Health care professionals find themselves participating in insignificant events in human existence such as birth, pain, and death which is a privilege and poses challenges as this participation involves decisions that can be life-changing and having an effect on everyone involved
This study highlights that moral distress within critical care units is a real problem that impacts on critical care nurses' physical and psychological stress
Health care institutions should mobilize resources to reduce these effects on critical care nurses and other health care professionals
Summary
Moral distress amongst health care professionals occurs when they are unable to follow through with moral actions resulting in a compromise in professional integrity (Wilkinson, 1987). End of life decisions and other treatment decisions are usually made by doctors within the CCU marginalizing the care from CCN even though the CCN is expected to provide care to the patient and the family This often leads to an emotional climate where ethically decisions are made and contested or causing division within the multidisciplinary team (AACN, 2006). There is vast literature that focuses on nurses experience with moral distress (Austin et al, 2003; Mobley et al, 2007; Zuzelo, 2007; Calvin, Lindy, & Clingon, 2009; Piers et al, 2012; Shorideh, Ashktorab, & Yaghmaei, 2012; Wiegand & Funk, 2012; Choe et al, 2015), there is limited literature that has explored how critical care nurses cope with this situation more especially within the context of Saudi Arabia. It is within this backdrop that the current study aims to add to the body of knowledge within an Arab context exploring this phenomenon within a qualitative lens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
