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
APTA and Coalition Partners Fight Against Potential Cuts to MedicaidMar 26, 2025
On March 24, APTA joined over a dozen other medical organizations in a letter urging Congress to avoid any cuts to Medicaid in the upcoming Budget Reconciliation
News
What to Consider Before Deciding to Participate in MIPS Cost CategoryMar 25, 2025
The participation deadline for the 2024 reporting year is March 31 — before performance feedback is available from CMS.
News
UHC Continues Refinement of Prior Authorization PolicyMar 21, 2025
Process changes, such as more real-time information and a shortened form for fewer visits, are meant to allow PTs to treat patients quicker.