Moral distress is experienced when an individual believes they know the right way to act but feels that they are being prevented from acting in accordance with their convictions due to internal or external factors.
Common constraints include resource limitations, perceived or actual lack of power or influence, or a lack of confidence in one’s ability or judgement.
Moral distress often manifests in burnout, cynicism, and symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, frustration, and depression. It is correlated with higher numbers of sick days, greater staff turnover, and individuals leaving their professions. It is a cost, both human and fiscal, that results from the way the health care system is structured, and both individuals and organizations are bearing these costs.
The phenomenon of moral distress was first identified and has been most extensively studied in the nursing population, but has been identified in health care professionals of many stripes.