Dealing with team conflicts in healthcare. Can you resolve them to enhance patient care quality?

Conflicts within your team can significantly impact patient care and the workplace. Address conflicts proactively, by encouraging active listening and respectful dialogue or by using conflict resolution strategies such as mediation.

Understand whether the conflict stems from a miscommunication, role confusion, differing priorities, or personal issues. Identifying the root cause is crucial to finding a resolution that addresses the real problem. Because sometimes conflict arises due to unclear roles or responsibilities. Make sure every team member understands their role and how it fits into the larger goal of patient care.

Galvanize around a common goal: helping the patient. Whenever a conflict arises, subtly bring everyone together by asking "Is this the best strategy for the patient?" I have seen this common "north star" keep everyone going in the same direction.

In healthcare, often team conflicts can arise from underlying personal issues rather than strictly work related challenges. It's essential to recognise that conflicts may stem from outside the workplace, such as problems at home or personal challenges. By identifying and addressing the root cause of the issue rather than just focusing on its surface effects, you can help resolve tensions more effectively. This approach allows your team members to feel understood and supported leading to harmonious working relationships. A cohesive team is focused, collaborative and delivers better patient care outcomes.