Elanor Webb (Audio) Understanding Moral Injury: Origins, Impacts, and Solutions in Healthcare

keywordsmoral injury, psychological trauma, healthcare, forensic populations, mental health, research, organizational health, emotional literacy, whistleblowing, secure mental health

summaryIn this conversation, Elanor Webb discusses the concept of moral injury, particularly in the context of healthcare and forensic populations. She explains the definitions, symptoms, and historical context of moral injury, as well as her research findings on its prevalence and sources in secure mental health settings. The discussion also covers protective factors against moral injury, the role of organizations in fostering a morally healthy environment, and the implications of whistleblowing. Elanor emphasizes the importance of emotional literacy and support systems for individuals working in high-stress environments.

·       Elanor's research relating to potential sources of moral injury for secure mental healthcare staff is published and available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jcrpp-03-2024-0021/full/html?skipTracking=true#:~:text=In%20accordance%20with%20dominant%20definitions,700).

·       The CDCT project relating to recommendations for establishing a morally healthy organisation is published and available at: https://journals.lww.com/joem/abstract/9900/guidance_for_creating_morally_healthy.727.aspx

takeaways

• Moral injury arises from actions that conflict with one's moral values.
• It is characterized by feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of trust.
• Moral injury is distinct from PTSD and burnout.
• The historical context of moral injury is rooted in war-related experiences.
• Research shows moral injury is prevalent in healthcare settings, especially during COVID-19.
• Sources of moral injury can be unique to specific environments, like secure mental health care.
• Social support can have both protective and negative effects on moral injury.
• Organizational responses to moral transgressions significantly impact individual experiences of moral injury.
• Whistleblowing can be both a response to and a cause of moral injury.
• Education and emotional literacy are crucial for preventing moral injury.