A review of Moral Complexities resulting from the occupations of health care workers during a pandemic and occupations of soldiers during war time
| Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| 11:52 AM - 11:53 AM |
Speaker
Mr Dan Johnson
Rehabilitation Advisor
Veterans' Affairs, NZ
A review of Moral Complexities resulting from the occupations of health care workers during a pandemic and occupations of soldiers during war time
Abstract Document
Poster Abstract
Background and aim(s)
This presentation has arisen from the emerging recognition of the concept of Moral Injury in health care workers through the pandemic. The long-understood concept within military circles has allowed for civilian adaptation of screening tools to help provide language and understanding of morally injurious events faced by health care workers, that do meet medicalized diagnostic criteria of PTSD.
The presentation aims to: (i) introduce the concept of Moral Injury, (ii) explore the Morally injurious events faced by health care workers and (iii) compare a healing and recovery focus, with a treatment and rehabilitation focus.
Method
This presentation draws on both experiential learnings in clinical settings, veteran and military-based literature and emerging themes from moral injury focused research. The presentation will be delivered through a combination of visual and verbal aids (power point) and hopes to include testimonies from veterans.
Result(s)
Whilst the clinical definitions around moral injury and its place within a westernized and empirical medical model remain uncertain, sufferers, clinicians and researchers have identified a significant emotional, spiritual and functional consequence that rises from such an experience. The resulting internalized shame and loss of trust in oneself as a decent human being, along with loss of trust in the world around them, leads an individual to significant occupational disruption, including isolation from those closest to them.
Conclusion(s)
Exposure to morally distressing and often traumatic experiences are anecdotally accepted as being part of a medical and allied health professional’s line of work. By understanding the potential impact of morally distressing events for rehabilitation and medical personnel, we can better manage and limit the potentially significant and devastating emotional, spiritual and functional consequences which may include, occupational disruption, including a greater risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions.
This presentation has arisen from the emerging recognition of the concept of Moral Injury in health care workers through the pandemic. The long-understood concept within military circles has allowed for civilian adaptation of screening tools to help provide language and understanding of morally injurious events faced by health care workers, that do meet medicalized diagnostic criteria of PTSD.
The presentation aims to: (i) introduce the concept of Moral Injury, (ii) explore the Morally injurious events faced by health care workers and (iii) compare a healing and recovery focus, with a treatment and rehabilitation focus.
Method
This presentation draws on both experiential learnings in clinical settings, veteran and military-based literature and emerging themes from moral injury focused research. The presentation will be delivered through a combination of visual and verbal aids (power point) and hopes to include testimonies from veterans.
Result(s)
Whilst the clinical definitions around moral injury and its place within a westernized and empirical medical model remain uncertain, sufferers, clinicians and researchers have identified a significant emotional, spiritual and functional consequence that rises from such an experience. The resulting internalized shame and loss of trust in oneself as a decent human being, along with loss of trust in the world around them, leads an individual to significant occupational disruption, including isolation from those closest to them.
Conclusion(s)
Exposure to morally distressing and often traumatic experiences are anecdotally accepted as being part of a medical and allied health professional’s line of work. By understanding the potential impact of morally distressing events for rehabilitation and medical personnel, we can better manage and limit the potentially significant and devastating emotional, spiritual and functional consequences which may include, occupational disruption, including a greater risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and actions.
Biography
Kia ora, I’m Dan Johnson, a UK-trained Occupational Therapist, who has been living and working in New Zealand for more than thirteen years. I currently hold the position of World Federation Occupational Therapy non-indigenous delegate for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Over my 20+ year career I have worked across public, private and corporate sectors, helping to deliver health and rehabilitation services in areas that include in-patient and community physical rehabilitation & mental health, vocational rehabilitation, Accident & Emergency, Insurance and with military veterans in my current role of 8+ years.
My additional Occupational Therapy international learnings include work experience in Romania and Vietnam (NGO Sector), alongside visits to Occupational Therapy schools and workplaces in South America, Asia, Europe and New Zealand
I have a passion for cross-cultural learnings which have led to guest lecturing and presentation across the globe, including most recently on the topic of Moral Injury at CIMVHR 2024 (Canadian Institue of Military, Veteran, Health & Research) and the Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress, Japan 2024. This is in addition to accepting an invitation from Ukraine Society of Occupational Therapists to speak on the topic of 'Developing the professional Identity of Occupational Therapists in the midst of war'.
