Construction of a training program for clinical nurses coping with moral distress based on Corley’s theoretical model

A mixed-methods study developed an ethical training framework for clinical nurses to strengthen moral competence for managing moral distress. The finalized program contains 5 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators and 30 tertiary indicators, according to the study abstract published in BMC Nursing.

The research combined a systematic review, quantitative research and the modified Delphi technique. Three postgraduate students and three interdisciplinary experts conducted the systematic review, which included 19 eligible studies and identified four core themes. The authors then developed and statistically tested a regression model based on Corley’s moral distress theoretical model. This model was statistically significant (F = 34.173, P < 0.001, R² = 0.229), although the abstract does not provide enough methodological detail to interpret the model’s predictive or causal significance.

Cross-sectional quantitative data were collected in eastern China. Eighteen specialists in nursing management, clinical nursing and nursing ethics subsequently completed two rounds of modified Delphi consultation. The expert authority coefficient was 0.87. Following these consultations, the researchers finalized the three-level ethical training framework, centered on nursing ethics education.

The abstract describes the program as a feasible, evidence-based intervention intended to improve nurses’ moral competence for coping with moral distress. However, the reported work was a program-construction study rather than a clinical trial of training effectiveness: no participant outcomes after delivery of the program are presented, and no clinical trial number was applicable. The evidence is also limited to the reported review, cross-sectional data from eastern China and consultations with 18 specialists. Accordingly, the results support the construction of the training framework but do not establish that using it reduces moral distress or improves patient care. The article was available as an accepted version subject to further edits, and the findings summarized here are based on the supplied abstract rather than a full assessment of the article.

Subject of Research: Development of a nurse moral-competence training program for coping with moral distress

Article Title: Construction of a training program for clinical nurses coping with moral distress based on Corley’s theoretical model

Article References: Meng, J., Wang, Y., & Liu, Y. (2026). Construction of a training program for clinical nurses coping with moral distress based on Corley’s theoretical model. BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-026-05473-3

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DOI: 10.1186/s12912-026-05473-3

Keywords: nursing ethics, moral distress, moral competence, training program, mixed-methods study, systematic review, Delphi method, clinical nurses, healthcare education, Construction, training, program