8 ways technology helps treat moral injury

Moral injury, a psychological distress that arises from actions (or inactions) which violate someone’s moral or ethical code, can have severe mental health consequences.

In recent years, moral injury has gone well beyond battlefield cases affecting the veterans to healthcare cases affecting providers — very difficult life-and-death decisions needed to be made during the pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, nurses and clinicians were forced to decide which patients had the highest propensity for living in situations where medications and ventilators were in short supply.

While moral injury has many of the same symptoms as burnout, healthcare industry wellness leaders are quick to point out that the treatment can be quite different considering the root cause of the “injury.” For obvious reasons, the Veterans Administration (VA) has been at the forefront of many of these technology-based treatments considering the military stakeholders they serve.

Technology has increasingly played a significant role in addressing and treating moral injury. Here are several ways technology helps in this context:

 1. Teletherapy and Telehealth Services

• Accessibility: Teletherapy platforms such as BetterHelp, Talkspace, and others provide access to licensed therapists who specialize in treating moral injury. This is especially beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those who may not have easy access to mental health services.
• Convenience: Patients can engage in therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes, making it easier to seek and continue treatment without the added stress of travel.

2. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy

• Exposure Therapy: VR technology allows for controlled exposure therapy, which can help individuals process traumatic events in a safe environment. For example, veterans can revisit and work through traumatic experiences in a controlled, therapeutic setting.
• Immersive Healing: Programs like Bravemind use VR to immerse patients in simulations that replicate their trauma, helping them confront and process their experiences.

3. Mobile Apps and Online Resources

• Self-Help Tools: Apps like PTSD Coach and Moodfit provide tools for managing symptoms of moral injury, including stress management techniques, mood tracking, and coping strategies.
• Educational Content: Online platforms offer educational resources about moral injury, helping sufferers and their families understand the condition and find appropriate help.

 4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

• Personalized Treatment Plans: AI can analyze patient data to tailor personalized treatment plans, improving the effectiveness of interventions for moral injury.
• Virtual Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants can provide immediate support and guidance to individuals experiencing moral distress, offering coping strategies and resources until they can see a professional.

 5. Support Groups and Online Communities

• Peer Support: Online forums and support groups provide a sense of community and peer support, which is crucial for individuals dealing with moral injury. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, and specialized forums offer spaces where people can share experiences and support each other.

 6. Biofeedback and Wearable Technology

• Stress Monitoring: Wearable devices like the Apple Watch or Fitbit can monitor physiological signs of stress, such as heart rate variability. This data can help individuals recognize when they are experiencing stress and apply coping strategies in real time.
• Biofeedback Therapy: Biofeedback devices help patients learn to control physiological functions, such as muscle tension and heart rate, which can alleviate symptoms of moral injury.

7.  Digital Storytelling and Therapeutic Writing

• Expressive Therapy: Platforms like MyStory and StoryCorps enable individuals to tell their stories digitally, which can be a therapeutic process. Writing and sharing their experiences can help individuals process trauma and moral injury.

8. Online Training for Therapists

• Continued Education: Online courses and webinars provide ongoing education for therapists on the latest techniques and treatments for moral injury, ensuring that they are equipped with the best tools to help their patients.

 Technology offers innovative solutions for treating moral injury, making therapy more accessible, providing new therapeutic tools, and fostering supportive communities. By leveraging these technological advancements, mental health professionals can enhance their ability to help individuals heal from the profound effects of moral injury.