Understanding the experience of moral distress: An Australian perspective

4^th International Conference on Nursing & Healthcare

October 05-07, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Adam Burston

University of Queensland, Australia Australian Catholic University, Australia

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experience of moral distress for Australian aged care workers in residential and community aged care. An explanatory, sequential mixed methods approach grounded in a pragmatist perspective has been used. Phase one of the study involved the amendment and pilot testing of a measurement instrument. Phase two employed semi-structured interviews exploring the experience of moral distress for Australian aged care workers. Initial pilot testing of the amended instrument demonstrated reliability (�± 0.94). Moral distress in this sample of Australian aged care workers occurred with relatively low frequency; however when it did occur was deemed to be moderately distressing. Further testing of the amended instrument is warranted. Preliminary analysis of interview data suggests that organizational structure and resourcing issues are two key areas contributing to moral distress for these workers. Australian aged care workers described organizational constructs such as over regulation and inadequate communication channels and resourcing constraints related to inadequate staffing and unrealistic workloads. Moral distress contributes to decreased quality of care, diminished workplace satisfaction, physical and emotional illness & burnout and staff turnover. Interventions targeting these concerns are necessary to improve retention; specifically in light of an ageing workforce and increased demand on aged care services.

Biography :

Email: Adam.Burston@acu.edu.au