Table 1: Most Common Sources of Moral Distress.

Adults (N = 12)

 

Pediatrics (N = 7)

Situation

Mean (SD)                                      

Rank

 

Mean (SD)

Rank

Follow the family's wishes to continue life support even though it is not in the best interest of the patient

8.83 (6.89)

1

 

0.86 (1.22)

11

Witness healthcare providers giving "false hope" to a patient or family

8.17 (7.50)

2

 

2.00  (2.38)

2

Continue to participate in care for a hopelessly ill person who is being sustained on ventilator, when no one will make a decision to withdraw support

8.00 (8.00)

3

 

1.29 (1.71)

8

Watch patient care suffer because of lack of provider continuity

6.00 (3.50)

8

 

4.14 (4.98)

1

Provide less than optimum care due to pressure from administrators or insurers to reduce costs

6.00 (4.50)

7

 

1.86 (3.29)

3