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Research code: 6711
Ethics code: IR.BUMS.REC.1403.347
1- Department of Nursing, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2- Department of Health Information Technology, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran & Hazrat Rasool Hospital of Ferdows, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- Department of Nursing, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran & Office of the Vice Chancellor for Education, Chamran Hospital of Ferdows, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2- Department of Health Information Technology, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran & Hazrat Rasool Hospital of Ferdows, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- Department of Nursing, Ferdows Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran & Office of the Vice Chancellor for Education, Chamran Hospital of Ferdows, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Abstract: (14 Views)
| Background and Objective: Moral distress is a complex concept that requires further clarification in emergency medical services. The present study aimed to explore the different aspects of moral distress. Materials and Methods: The present study was qualitative and employed the Walker and Avant conceptual analysis approach. The research period was from January 2004 to June 2005. The databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. The search was conducted using keywords "moral distress," "ethical doubts," "ethical concerns," "emergency medical services," and "prehospital emergency." After analyzing the data, the defining characteristics, prerequisites, and consequences of the concept were identified. Results: The search process identified a total of 1,521 articles. After removing duplicates, unrelated studies, and screening the full texts, 25 articles were ultimately included in the final analysis. The findings showed that the defining characteristics of moral distress included “occurrence in complex clinical settings,” “encountering an ethical dilemma in informed consent,” “discomfort due to weakening professional dignity,” and “awareness of weak ethical foundations.” Its consequences included “job dissatisfaction,” “emotional isolation from patients,” “burnout,” “decreased quality of care,” and “job abandonment”. Conclusion: In this study, moral distress is defined as “a distressing mental state that manifests itself in complex and unpredictable clinical situations, the informed consent process, perception of professional dignity, and weakened ethical foundations in emergency medical technicians.” These characteristics can be developed and tested in future qualitative and quantitative studies to refine further and deepen the understanding of this concept. |
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Nursing- Qualitative Study
Received: 2025/11/24 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/15
Received: 2025/11/24 | Accepted: 2025/12/27 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/02/15
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