Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38337168›Full record

ArticleNursing ethics2024

Physiotherapists' moral distress: Mixed-method study reveals new insights.

Noit Inbar, Israel Issi Doron, Yocheved Laufer

Abstract read
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Article in Nursing ethics, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Noit InbarTel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.ORCID 0000-0003-3628-0676
Israel Issi DoronUniversity of Haifa.
Yocheved LauferUniversity of Haifa.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMoral distress is a well-recognized term for emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions of  professionals, when facing conflicts between perceived obligations and institutional constraints. Though studied across medical roles, limited research exists among physiotherapists. RESEARCH QUESTION: What factors contribute to Moral distress among physiotherapists and how do they cope?

objectivesTo develop and test a multifaceted model of Moral distress and gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomena. RESEARCH

designA 2017-2022 mixed-methods study: (1) Survey of 407 physiotherapists quantitatively testing a literature-based model analyzing relationships between Moral distress, Moral sensitivity, Locus of control, Self-efficacy, Ethical climate perceptions and demographics, analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, multiple comparisons and structural equation modelling (SPSS26, SAS, AMOS); (2) Semi-structured interviews with 21 physiotherapists examining Moral distress experiences using meticulous phenomenological analysis. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTEXT: Israeli physiotherapists from various occupational settings recruited via professional networks. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Haifa University Ethics Committee authorized the study. Informed consent was obtained for the anonymous survey and before interviews regarding recording, and quote use.

findingsQuantitative results showed moderately high average Moral distress, significantly higher among women and paediatric physiotherapists, positively correlating with Moral sensitivity. Qualitative findings revealed intense emotions around Moral distress experiences, inner conflicts between care ideals and constraints, and coping strategies like reflective skills. Senior therapists, despite higher self-efficacy and moral sensitivity, still reported persistent high distress. DISCUSSION: Moral distress has complex links with moral sensitivity, self-efficacy, perceived professional autonomy and organizational support. A renewed framework emerged explaining relations between moral distress and personal, professional and organizational factors.

conclusionsMultidimensional insights help identify Moral distress causes and coping strategies among physiotherapists, advancing theory. Conclusions can shape ethics training programs and competencies.

Indexed as

Physical TherapistsQualitative ResearchAdaptation, PsychologicalAdultFemaleHumansIsraelMaleMiddle AgedMoralsStress, PsychologicalSurveys and Questionnairesethical dilemmasmixed-methods studymodelmoral distressphysiotherapy

Identifiers

PMID38337168
PMCPMC11577700

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