Moral Distress in Nurses in Developing Economies: An Integrative Literature Review

Vivian Afoko, Roger Newham, Sue Neilson, Alistair Hewison

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Moral distress has been extensively studied in developed economies however not much in terms of studies has been carried out in developing economies.

Objective: To review the literature reporting the experience of moral distress in nurses in health care settings in developing economies.
Design: An integrative literataure review was used.

Method: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online Cochrane and Psych INFO were searched to retrieve titles and abstracts of papers on the experience of moral distress in nurses in developing economies.

Results: 16 articles reporting the experience of moral distress in nurses in developing economies published between 1984 and March 2019 were used for the review. Analysis of the findings revealed 7 themes, nurses’ experience of moral distress, inadequate material and human resources, end of life challenges, cultural and religious beliefs as a source of moral distress, perceived inactions of medical and nursing staff, impact of moral distress on nurses in developing economies and coping strategies.

Conclusion: There is paucity of empirical studies on moral distress in nurses in developing economies. More qualitative studies are needed in various cultural settings to enhance its understanding in nurses working in developing economies
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Research in Nursing
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 1 Oct 2023

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