What does ethical distress refer to in the medical profession?

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Ethical distress in the medical profession specifically refers to the situation where an individual recognizes the right course of action but faces barriers that prevent them from taking that action. This can occur due to various reasons, such as institutional policies, limitations of resources, or conflicts with other team members that cause hesitation in acting according to their ethical beliefs. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and moral conflict, impacting both the individual and patient care.

In contrast, making unethical decisions refers to consciously choosing an action that goes against established ethical standards, which is distinct from the situation of ethical distress. Personal disagreements with colleagues may cause interpersonal tension but are not necessarily related to ethical dilemmas. Similarly, feeling overwhelmed by workload pertains to stress and time management challenges rather than ethical considerations, which do not involve the recognition of right versus wrong action in a moral context. Understanding ethical distress is crucial for healthcare providers to navigate moral complexities and adhere to their professional ethical commitments.

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