Moral Distress among Physical and Occupational Therapists: A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Aims This study examines the impact and implications of moral distress on Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists employed at two Skilled Nursing Facilities. Methods This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design. The target population included a convenience sample of OTs and PTs. The presence and intensity of moral distress was measured using the Moral Distress Scale-Revised-Occupational Therapy-Adult settings (MDS-R-OTA) tool. Results This study identified the highest-ranking cause of moral distress among therapists employed in two Skilled Nursing Facilities included the inability to provide optimal therapy services due to limited insurance coverage (mean intensity score1.95, with a range from 1.00 to 3.52 on a 0–4 scale). More than half had either considered or left a job due to moral distress. Conclusion Strong organizational support of therapists involved in making ethical dilemmas may be a key approach to reducing moral distress among therapists.