Moral distress among frontline healthcare providers in low-resource settings: A scoping review protocol.

The scoping review aims to systematically map existing literature on moral distress among frontline healthcare providers in African settings. It will examine how moral distress is conceptualized, its key drivers, and the interventions proposed or implemented to address it. This review will help identify research gaps and inform future studies and policy interventions. Objectives Conceptualization of Moral Distress – Analyze how moral distress is defined and understood in LMIC healthcare settings. Drivers of Moral Distress – Identify the key factors contributing to moral distress among frontline healthcare providers. Interventions – Review strategies and interventions aimed at reducing or managing moral distress in these settings. Research Gaps – Highlight areas where further research is needed to deepen understanding and inform policy and practice. Expected Outcomes A comprehensive synthesis of available studies on moral distress among frontline healthcare workers in LMICs. A thematic categorization of moral distress definitions, causes, and existing interventions. Identification of gaps in knowledge, guiding future research and intervention development. Contribution to the broader study by informing qualitative exploration and tool development for measuring moral distress.