Perceptions of Moral Distress among Nursing Students in Relation to Organ Donation

João Paulo Victorino João Paulo Victorino,Donna M Wilson Donna M Wilson

doi:10.17063/bjfs8(3)y2019139

João Paulo Victorino João Paulo Victorino, Donna M Wilson Donna M Wilson

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17063/bjfs8(3)y2019139

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Abstract

This was a pilot study as it used a newly devised survey tool to determine the views and attitudes of undergraduate nursing students to the shortage of organs for transplantation purposes, with this survey also gaining insight into any possible moral distress. The survey tool was distributed to 134 undergraduate nursing students who attended a mandatory nursing research course, with 104 (77.6%) participating. The data were analyzed through content analysis, with three main themes identified: right to life, impact on others, and emotions. A high level of moral distress among the participants were identified, which confirm the necessity of future studies on this topic.

Highlights

The concept of moral distress could have important implications for nurses working in organ donation and transplantation settings
That an issue exists with two or more ethically justifiable but opposing actions to be taken. At this point in time, no studies could be located on moral distress over organ donation and transplantation, is known that nurses who work in this area are susceptible to moral distress[11,12,13]
The survey tool was distributed to 134 undergraduate nursing students who attended a mandatory nursing research course, with 104 (77.6%) participating

Summary

Introduction

The concept of moral distress could have important implications for nurses working in organ donation and transplantation settings. That an issue exists with two or more ethically justifiable but opposing actions to be taken At this point in time, no studies could be located on moral distress over organ donation and transplantation, is known that nurses who work in this area are susceptible to moral distress[11,12,13]. The demand for organs is growing faster than the number of available donated organs and organ transplantations. For this reason, 10% to 30% of patients on various wait lists die due to the lack of an organ for transplantation[16,17]. Donation rates need to be increased and so investigations of healthcare professional attitudes are needed, including nurses – the most common healthcare professional affected by moral distress

Materials and methods

Discussion

Conclusion