Moral distress, caused by constraints that prevent someone from taking actions that they perceive to be morally right, is not uncommon among physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students in today's complex health care environments. The inability to act after considering and deciding on their ethical course of action can lead PTs and PTAs to experience emotional, physical, behavioral, and/or spiritual responses and doubt their moral agency. Residual feelings of doubt and worry can undermine their personal feelings of integrity. Repeated doubting of one's own moral sensitivity can have a negative impact on a professional's future calibration of their own thinking regarding moral decisions.
By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
Ethics In Practice: Ethics Under Pressure
Insights from real-life stories of moral distress in physical therapy.
Date: November 1, 2023
Contact: aptamag@apta.org
Content Type: Column
Rhea Cohn, PT, DPT; Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT; and Debra Gorman-Badar, PT, PhD
You Might Also Like...
Review
Employer Noncompete Restrictions Eliminated in New RuleApr 26, 2024
In a sweeping decision already facing legal challenges, the FTC prohibits most noncompete clauses "whether written or communicated orally."
News
CMS Issues Final Rule on SNF Minimum StaffingApr 24, 2024
Nursing homes will be required to provide at least 3.48 hours of daily nursing care per resident, per day.
News
CMS Delays Startup of Problematic Restrictions on Access to Research DataApr 24, 2024
The new policy, which faces strong opposition from researchers, will be put on hold while CMS reviews "comments and concerns."