Structural Stigma and Moral Distress in Acute Care Clinicians: Exploring Overlaps and Mitigation Strategies

Todd Harvey, BSN, RN
Programmatic Nurse Specialist, Addiction Medicine
UPMC Mercy

Ariel Leath, MA
Candidate in the MA in Bioethics Program
University of Pittsburgh

Abstract: Does stigma toward patients with substance use disorder contribute to clinician and caregiver burnout? This ECHO will consider how manifestations of structural stigma (such as a lack of feasible, safe options for discharge) not only cause poor health outcomes for the patient, but also increase likelihood of moral injury or distress in care teams. Presenters will discuss common roadblocks reported by nurses and social workers who provide care for this patient population and how these issues impact making ethically concordant care plans. They will seek feedback from the audience regarding a novel framework for interacting with this patient population that focuses on achievable outcomes and positive experiences and will then present a case study for discussion, time permitting.

Registration

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) on healthcare ethics is offered through the West Virginia Rural Emergency Trauma Institute Inc