Moral Distress: What It Is and How to Respond

The concept of moral distress refers to a clinical situation in which the patient is perceived to be “suffering” and the clinician knows what they feel to be the best course of action, but that course conflicts with what is best for the organization, other providers, other patients, the family, or society as a whole. Moral distress can occur when the professional feels a sense of heightened moral responsibility and a perception of powerlessness.

While moral distress was first recognized among nurses, we now know that moral distress affects physicians, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, psychologists, and other healthcare providers. This class covers the experience of moral distress, its impact on clinicians of multiple disciplines, and the specific impact of moral distress among palliative care teams. Special attention will be given to the impact of the pandemic on moral distress. Strategies for recognizing and dealing with the experience of moral distress in individuals, teams, and within health systems will be considered.

Three continuing education hours will be offered upon completion of the course.