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Understanding Moral Distress among Eldercare Workers: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Risto Nikunlaakso

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Kirsikka Selander

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Elina Weiste

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Eveliina Korkiakangas

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Maria Paavolainen

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Tiina Koivisto

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

  • Jaana Laitinen

    (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland)

Abstract

The aging of the population in Western countries will increase the use of social and health services in the future. Employees in eldercare are at risk for experiencing moral distress, which is associated with poor work ability. The causes and consequences of moral distress among eldercare workers remain undiscovered. This scoping review investigates the existing studies of causes and consequences of moral distress among eldercare workers. Additionally, it seeks evidence of interventions designed to mitigate moral distress in eldercare workers. Fourteen studies were included in the final review. Most of the included studies were qualitative, aiming to increase understanding of morally challenging situations in eldercare. We also found quantitative studies with cross-sectional designs and small sample sizes. Thus, no reliable evidence of causal effects between moral distress and worker wellbeing in eldercare was found. We found no interventions undertaken to resolve moral distress among eldercare workers, either. More research is needed on the causes and consequences of moral distress and on interventions to mitigate moral distress among eldercare workers. This is of utmost importance to increase the attractiveness of eldercare as a workplace and to improve eldercare workers’ ability to work and sustain long working careers.

Suggested Citation

  • Risto Nikunlaakso & Kirsikka Selander & Elina Weiste & Eveliina Korkiakangas & Maria Paavolainen & Tiina Koivisto & Jaana Laitinen, 2022. "Understanding Moral Distress among Eldercare Workers: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9303-:d:875640
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jennifer Rainer & Joanne Kraenzle Schneider & Rebecca A. Lorenz, 2018. "Ethical dilemmas in nursing: An integrative review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(19-20), pages 3446-3461, October.
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    3. Noemi Giannetta & Giulia Villa & Federico Pennestrì & Roberta Sala & Roberto Mordacci & Duilio Fiorenzo Manara, 2021. "Ethical Problems and Moral Distress in Primary Care: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-14, July.
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