Educator workshop on moral distress - 2024-12-04

On December 4, 2024, a workshop was held to explore the concept of moral distress among healthcare professionals, particularly focusing on medical education. Dr. Ruth Gailer led the session, engaging tutors in a discussion on the challenges and implications of moral distress.

Presentation Highlights

• Definition: Feelings of powerlessness to do what healthcare professionals deemed was morally correct due to organisational restrictions. 

• Consequences: It can lead to burnout, mental illness, and a lack of empathy, impacting both personal well-being and professional practice.

• Moral Residue: Repeated experiences of moral distress can accumulate, leaving lasting emotional impacts.

Key Discussions

• Reflective Practice:

  • Tutors highlighted the importance of reflective discussions to help students process challenging experiences without direct advice.

  • Open-ended questions were recommended to facilitate reflection and personal growth.

• Supportive Environments:

  • Creating spaces for shared experiences can provide relief and connection.

  • Empathy and non-judgmental support are crucial when dealing with emotionally charged events.

• Educator's Role:

  • Educators should guide students through clinical decision-making and legal considerations.

  • Recognising individual differences in student responses to stress is essential.

• Balancing Responsibilities:

  • The workshop highlighted the need to balance care for students, colleagues, and patients, emphasising teamwork and thoughtful decision-making.

• Avoiding Harmful Narratives:

  • Careful communication is necessary to avoid fostering illness or victim narratives, similar to how medical results are conveyed.