Nurses, Moral Distress, and COVID-19 in a Global Perspective – An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

This integrative review aims to synthesize the current literature on moral distress in nurses during the COVID-19 in healthcare. The objectives are:
1. To review empirical data on the impacts of moral distress nurses experience during the COVID-19 in healthcare.
2. To explore the current literature for strategies to EASE (Equip, Alleviate, Support, and Educate) nurses' moral distress during a pandemic.

Design/Method
An integrative review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) method.

Results
Of the 299 studies identified, six published met inclusion criteria. Greece, Iran, Romania, Switzerland, and United States were among the countries with nurses suffering from moral distress due to COVID-19. Three overarching concepts were identified: impact of moral distress on nurses, factors for moral distress, and improved quality of work conditions as an intervention for moral distress. Strategies to EASE (Equip, Alleviate, Support, and Educate) nurses' moral distress during a pandemic were explored.

Keywords
Moral Distress, COVID-19, Pandemic, Nurse, Mental health, Integrative Review, Healthcare, COVID-19 Pandemic