An evaluation of moral distress among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine

Background: Moral distress among healthcare workers (HCWs) is considered a serious issue in all aspects of healthcare divisions, which needs an urgent intervention. Aims: The study aims at evaluating moral distress among HCWs which will help the healthcare management and decision-makers in hospitals and health centers to act in a comprehensiveness and effective way by reinforcing moral thinking and behavior in selected coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine centers across Palestine. Methods: Ninety-four HCWs were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected using revised Corley's Standard Moral Distress (MD) Scale and analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results: The mean score of MD for HCWs was low (1.24 +/- 0.71). The mean score of MD severity was moderate (1.4 +/- 0.93). The severity and frequency of MD in HCWs had a significant reverse relationship with years of experience, number of children of worker, and duration of work with COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: It is important to create a professional psychological support system for HCWs to decrease MD when facing moral issues.