The health research landscape is rapidly evoving. Research shows that structural, ethical and resource constraints has led to an increased emotional burden among frontline research staff. 

The Rethinking Organisational Options to Tackle Distress (ROOTs) is a network aimed at seeking to better understand the nature, drivers and consequences of moral distress faced by frontline staff, and the functioning of institutional processes aimed at minimizing and managing this distress. The work involves reviews of relevant guidance and literature, in-depth empirical work centred around a series of international research case studies, and wider consultations with frontline staff, managers and funders. 

We beleive that interventions to address moral distress only matter if they can be put into practice. To do so, frontline research staff need to be empowered with the skill and determination to bring these interventions to life. 

The University of Oxford has established this website to foster a participatory action network made up primarily of individuals responsible for supervising and supporting frontline research staff. The aim is to collaboratively co-design, implement iteratively, and evaluate practical guidance to minimize and manage moral distress among frontline staff. The site also serves as a central hub for resources and information, with a particular focus on supporting those working in low-resource settings.

The ROOTS Network welcomes questions, contributions, feedback and comments. We may be contacted on: …….

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