Addressing Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Healthcare: Implications for Workforce Well-Being and Systemic Change

Abstract

Moral distress (MD) and moral injury represent significant challenges within healthcare, affecting both individual well-being and organizational performance. MD arises when healthcare providers are constrained from acting in alignment with their ethical beliefs, whereas moral injury reflects deeper, long-lasting harm resulting from violations of core moral values. These phenomena have profound implications for workforce mental health, patient care quality, and institutional stability, particularly in high-stakes settings like intensive care units. Addressing these challenges requires systemic interventions, including robust ethics resources, leadership engagement, and targeted training programs to mitigate distress and foster resilience. Measuring MD and injury through validated tools is critical for identifying systemic contributors and tailoring interventions effectively. This article highlights evidence-based strategies, such as MD consultations, ethics education, and resilience training, to support healthcare professionals, enhance ethical climates, and improve patient care outcomes. By prioritizing the mitigation of MD and injury, healthcare organizations can cultivate a more resilient, compassionate workforce and a higher standard of ethical care.