Moral distress : recognition and prevention for the support worker

In this article, the authors discuss the important issue of moral distress among support workers. Moral distress will firstbe defined before moving on to examine two forms this can take: initial distress and reactive distress. The implications of moral distress for both the support worker and their colleagues, as well as patients and their carers, will be discussed. Relevant sectionsof the 2013 Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England will be identified. Two common scenarios will be presented, highlighting how moral distress can manifest itself in everyday practice. The importance of self-awareness and reflective practice will be looked at, before identifying recommendations for future practice