Moral Distress and its Impact on Healthcare Workers in a European NICU

Abstract

In a qualitative study of 15 NICU workers in a large European NICU, the author asks the subjects to consider what sorts of work environments are likely to result in moral distress and whether support by colleagues, administrators, the institution itself and even perceived societal support may reduce some kinds of moral distress. The majority of providers felt that the support of colleagues was essential; there was some disagreement about whether the larger community was aware of the nature of the work done in NICUs by health workers. These healthcare providers were also asked about memorable patient encounters.

KEYWORDS:

• moral distress
• NICU
• ethical dilemmas
• neonates
• resilience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Susan E. Zinner

Susan Zinner is a full Professor in the School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at Indiana University Northwest; she teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in administrative law, health law, bioethics, health disparities, epidemiology and the undergraduate capstone class in online, hybrid and face-to-face formats. She has an undergraduate degree in English literature from Bellarmine College in Louisville, Kentucky. Her graduate degrees include degrees in journalism (Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois), health administration (Washington University in St. Louis) and law (Washington University in St. Louis). Her research interests include end-of-life issues, bioethics and other areas where the law, ethics and vulnerable populations intersect.