The relationship between teamwork and moral distress among NICU nurses

In the demanding environment of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), quality nursing care hinges on effective teamwork and communication among nurses. However, this requirement for close cooperation can expose nurses to significant levels of moral distress. This study aims to explore the connection between the quality of teamwork and the experience of moral distress among NICU nurses.

Employing a cross-sectional, multicenter descriptive correlational design, this study surveyed female NICU nurses across the cities of Khorramabad and Semnan. Census sampling was utilized over five months, from July to November 2023, resulting in the participation of 190 nurses. Tools for data collection included demographic questionnaires, the Team-STEPPS Teamwork Perception Questionnaire (T-TPQ), and the Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R) for nurses.

The findings revealed an average teamwork score of 3.73 ± 0.78, denoting an acceptable level, and an average moral distress score of 91.2 ± 56.7, indicating a low level. In multiple linear regression, marital status showed a direct positive correlation (β = 38.5, SE (β) = 9.3, p < 0.001), while the number of children (β = -14.6, SE (β) = 4.9, p = 0.003) and the teamwork score (β = -1.1, SE (β) = 0.12, p < 0.001) were inversely correlated with moral distress.

The study’s results suggest that stronger teamwork among nurses correlates with reduced moral distress. Enhancing teamwork within NICUs could lead to policy development focused on the safety and quality of newborn care, also potentially alleviating moral distress experienced by nurses.