S2 Ep1: The Impact of Moral Distress on Healthcare Workers: A Conversation with Dr. Julia Smith

In this episode of the Care to Listen podcast, host Sean Burke speaks with Dr. Julia Smith about the impact of moral distress on healthcare workers and the structural changes required for support. Dr. Smith, a healthcare expert and researcher, shares valuable insights from her years of study on the role of women in healthcare, gender and health inequities, and the double or triple burden of care work faced by women. They touch upon the potential benefits of valuing care work and its essential contribution to society at the same level as other sectors. The episode emphasizes the need to address staffing crises, care work issues, and mental health challenges among healthcare workers through societal and structural changes, including increased mental health support for workers in the healthcare sector and more flexibility in work hours. While the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis were touched upon, the expectation is that these learnings will be used in addressing the current challenges of the health care sector.

Content Warning: 

This audio episode contains some sensitive content, such as discussions of addiction, the ongoing opioid crisis, suicide, grieving, and loss. As such, we recommend that you listen to it with caution.

Takeaways:

• Impact of Moral Distress on Healthcare Workers: Dr. Smith highlights the profound impact of moral distress experienced by healthcare workers when they are unable to provide the care they feel is necessary due to structural constraints, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address these issues.

• Gender and Health Inequities: The discussion brings attention to the role of women in healthcare, focusing on gender inequities and the disproportionate burden of care work shouldered by women, both professionally and at home.

• Value of Care Work: Both Sean and Dr. Smith discuss the societal need to reevaluate and elevate the value assigned to care work, recognizing its essential contribution to the overall functioning of society and the economy.

• Structural and Societal Changes: The conversation underscores the necessity for structural changes to support healthcare workers, including addressing staffing crises, increasing mental health support, and offering more flexible work arrangements to balance professional and caregiving responsibilities.

• Lessons from COVID-19: Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Smith advocates for using the lessons learned to improve healthcare worker support and to avoid repeating past mistakes, stressing the importance of reflection and learning from this global event.

• Leadership and Decision-Making: The dialogue highlights the need for inclusive leadership and decision-making processes in healthcare settings, allowing for the voices of frontline workers to inform policies and practices, thereby reducing moral distress and enhancing worker well-being.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:44 Dr. Julia Smith's Background and Expertise

02:51 The Impact of Moral Distress on Healthcare Workers

13:52 The Need for Structural Changes in Healthcare

18:06 The Role of Women in Healthcare and Gender Inequities

23:15 The Importance of Care Work and Its Value

41:59 The Future of Healthcare and Desired Changes

Resources: Example

Care to Speak | Care For Caregivers

Phone Resources

SafeCare BC: Your Mental Health Matters

Bounceback (bouncebackbc.ca)

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