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Title: A Novel Web-Based and Mobile Application to Measure Real-Time Moral Distress: An Initial Pilot and Feasibility Study
Problem Definition Moral distress (MoD) is a vital clinical indicator linked to clinician burnout and provider concerns about declining patient care quality. Yet it is not routinely assessed. Earlier, real-time recognition may better target interventions aimed at alleviating MoD and thereby increase provider well-being and improve patient care quality. Initial Approach and Testing Combining two validated MoD instruments (the Moral Distress Thermometer [MDT] and the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals [MMD-HP]), the authors developed a novel mobile and Web-based application environment to measure and report levels MoD and their associated causes. This app was tested for basic feasibility and acceptability in two groups: graduate nursing students and practicing critical care nurses. Results The MDT app appears feasible and acceptable for future use. All participants (n = 34) indicated the MDT app was satisfying to use, and 91.2% (n = 31) indicated the app was “very appropriate” for measuring MoD. In addition, 84.2% (n =16) of practicing nurses indicated the app fit either “somewhat well” (47.4%, n = 9) or “very well” (36.8%, n = 7) into their typical workday, and 68.4% (n = 13) said they were either “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to use the app daily in clinical practice. Key Insights and Next Steps Education about moral distress and its associated causes proved important to the MDT app's success. It is ready for future validity and reliability testing, as well as examining usability beyond nursing, longitudinal data monitoring, and possible leveraging to pre- and postintervention evaluation studies.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1909414
PAR ID:
10476503
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Corporate Creator(s):
Editor(s):
NA
Publisher / Repository:
Elsevier, The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety
Edition / Version:
NA
Volume:
49
Issue:
9
ISSN:
1553-7250
Page Range / eLocation ID:
494 to 501
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
Concept-based
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: NA Other: NA
Size(s):
NA
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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