1744-6163/asset/bannerforeground.gif?v=1&s=2779e86a523917dff72668f54aec4b03fe8c6679)
A Study of the Situations, Features, and Coping Mechanisms Experienced by Irish Psychiatric Nurses Experiencing Moral Distress
Article first published online: 29 APR 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2010.00260.x
© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Deady, R. and McCarthy, J. (2010), A Study of the Situations, Features, and Coping Mechanisms Experienced by Irish Psychiatric Nurses Experiencing Moral Distress. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 46: 209–220. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2010.00260.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 JUN 2010
- Article first published online: 29 APR 2010
- First Received July 15, 2009; Revision received November 5, 2009; Accepted for publication November 15, 2009.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Clinical decision-making;
- moral distress;
- psychiatric nursing
PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to investigate moral distress in Irish psychiatric nurses.
DESIGN. A qualitative descriptive methodology was used.
FINDINGS. The study confirmed the presence of moral distress and the situations that gave rise to moral distress within psychiatric nurses working in acute care settings.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The findings indicate that while multidisciplinary teams appear to function well on the surface, situations that give rise to moral distress are not always acknowledged or dealt with effectively. Furthermore, unresolved moral conflict impacts upon the quality of clinical decision-making by not allowing open and transparent discussions that allow clinicians the opportunity to address their concerns adequately.