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...
Article
Proposed FY ’26 SNF and IRF Rules: Payment Increases, Roll Back of SDOH ItemsApr 23, 2025
Skilled nursing facilities could see a 2.8% payment increase and inpatient rehabilitation facilities could see a 2.6% boost beginning in October 2025 if
News
A Tribute to Worthingham Fellow Christine McDonough, PT, PhD, FAPTAApr 22, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Christine McDonough, PT, PhD, FAPTA, on Dec. 18, 2024. Christine was
News
APTA Releases 2024 Annual ReportApr 15, 2025
Now available: the 2024 APTA Annual Report, a snapshot of some of the association's biggest accomplishments in 2024, from two major wins in Medicare payment