Moral Distress and Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Study

Phoenix Australia are currently undertaking a Moral Distress and Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Study.

The study aims to develop a better understanding of the impact of working in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of healthcare workers. Of particular interest is developing an understanding of the impact of the range of morally challenging circumstances that healthcare workers may have been exposed to. These may include, for instance, inadequate personal protective equipment leading to concerns about risk to self and loved ones, excessive demand on resources forcing a compromise in the usual standard of care, and concerns over the delivery and adequacy of care in the move to remote service delivery. These unforeseen events can expose healthcare workers to moral and ethical dilemmas which may transgress their moral beliefs or standards. Developing a better understanding of impacts on healthcare workers, of working within the COVID-19 environment, is an essential step in the development of future protections aimed at reducing mental health risks in this population. It is hoped that the findings from this study can be used to guide the development of appropriate supports (e.g., policy change, best practices, workplace stress management, or clinical treatments) to protect HCWs and reduce negative impacts related to exposure to morally distressing experiences.

To participate in the study visit the website here.