Factors associated with moral distress among nurses in Soroti referal hospital.

Abstract

Background: Moral distress is a serious problem experienced by nursing profession Worldwide. It is a painful psychological disequilibrium that results from recognizing the ethically appropriate action, yet not taking it because of such obstacles as lack of time, supervisory, reluctance, an inhibiting power structure. Moral distress as a phenomenon that occurs when one knows the right action to take, but is constrained from taking it. Moral distress occurs when one knows the ethically correct action to take but feels powerless to take that action due to ethical climate in hospitals. Moral distress leads to poor quality patient care as nurses feel powerless, helpless and hopeless leading to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Despite its importance in health care practice, moral distress has not been addressed in many countries including Uganda. Consequently, nurses ability to provide optimal care and their attainment of job satisfaction are limited. Aim of the study: The study aim was to determine the factors associated with moral distress among nurses in Soroti Regional Referral Hospital Methodology: A quantitative research was conducted in SRRH of Uganda Soroti District on the study; the factors associated with moral distress among nurses. Data was collected from random sample of 22 nurses through questionnaire. SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: Findings obtained from a quantitative analysis of 22 respondents showed that SRRH nurses, irrespective of age, sex, work experience and cadre, nurses experienced moral distress associated to nursing care. The results are discussed in relation to the creation of awareness for nurses to recognize and manage Moral distress, thus optimizing their ability to provide quality and uncompromised nursing care to individuals, families and communities. Conclusion: The factors associated with MD Among nurses in SRRH were , carrying physician order for unnecessary tests, avoid taking action when colleague makes medical error, allow medical students perform painful procedures on patient, inadequate resources, heavy assignments, lack of respect from bosses. Furthermore, nurses desired teamwork and ethics committees in their heath institutions.