Turkish Intensive Care Nurses' Experiences of Moral Distress: A Qualitative Study

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of intensive care nurses related to moral distress. Material and Methods: In this study, focus group interview, which is a qualitative research technique, was used. This qualitative study was carried out in a university hospital's intensive care unit between April 1, 2019 and June 1, 2019 in the city of Düzce. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 18 intensive care nurses to explore nurses' experiences related to moral distress. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, utilising the 6 phases outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results: After analyzed data, 5 themes were identified; I) Meaning of the moral distress, II) Experiences of moral distress, III) Effects of moral distress, IV) Coping techniques, V) Suggestions and solutions for reducing or preventing moral distress. Conclusion: In the study, most of the nurses did not have a clear knowledge about the concept of moral distress and had not heard of it before. With this, it was determined that nurses working in intensive care units have physical and psychological problems due to moral distress. To cope with moral distress, nurses use both effective and ineffective coping methods. In order to prevent or reduce moral distress, managers should develop and design strategies for supporting nurses.