Intra versus interprofessional conflicts: implications for conflict management training

ABSTRACT

Interprofessional collaboration and conflict management training are necessary in health sciences curricula. Characteristics of conflicts occurring within intraprofessional or between interprofessional teams can vary and are poorly understood. We sought to compare and contrast characteristics of intra- versus interprofessional conflicts to inform future training programs. An exploratory study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 82 healthcare professionals working in a tertiary hospital. Interviews focused on sources, consequences, and responses to conflicts. Conflict situations were analyzed with conventional content analysis. Participants shared more intra- than interprofessional situations. Intraprofessional conflicts were caused by poor relationships, whereas interprofessional conflicts were associated with patient-related tasks and social representations. Avoiding and forcing were the most commonly mentioned responses to intraprofessional conflicts. The theme of power impacted all aspects of conflict both intra- and interprofessional. Intraprofessional conflicts were found to be as important as interprofessional conflicts. Differences in the sources of conflict and similarities regarding consequences of and responses to conflicts support integration of authentic clinical situations in interprofessional training. Understanding similarities and differences between intra- and interprofessional conflicts may help educators develop conflict management training that addresses the sources, consequences, and responses to conflicts in clinical settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Intraprofessional
• interprofessional
• conflict
• interprofessional collaboration
• power
• post-graduate training

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank all participants who accepted to share their stories and experiences, as well as the heads of departments who supported this project. They also extend their gratitude to Ms. Nuria Scherly for her transcription work.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by university funds from the University of Geneva, Switzerland;University of Geneva, Switzerland.

Notes on contributors

Nadia M. Bajwa

Nadia M. Bajwa is the Pediatric Residency Program Director at the Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty Member in the Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education of the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.

Naïke Bochatay

Naïke Bochatay is a Research Assistant in the Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine

Virginie Muller-Juge

Virginie Muller-Juge is a Research Assistant in the Unit of Primary Care Medicine at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.

Stéphane Cullati

Stéphane Cullati is a Medical Sociologist at the Geneva University Hospitals.

Katherine S. Blondon

Katherine S. Blondon is an Attending in the Medical Directorate at the Geneva University Hospitals

Noëlle Junod Perron

Noëlle Junod Perron is the Coordinator for the Institute of Primary Care and Faculty Member in the Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education of the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.

Fabienne Maître

Fabienne Maître is a Registered Nurse Supervisor at the Geneva University Hospitals.

Pierre Chopard

Pierre Chopard is the Director of the Quality of Care Unit at the Geneva University Hospitals.

Nu V. Vu

Nu V. Vu is Professor Emeritus at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.

Sara Kim

Sara Kim is Research Professor of Surgery and Associate Dean for Educational Quality Improvement at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Georges L. Savoldelli

Georges L. Savoldelli is Associate Professor  of Anesthesiology and Faculty Member of the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.

Patricia Hudelson

Patricia Hudelson is a Medical Anthropologist in the Department of Primary Care in the Geneva University Hospitals.

Mathieu R. Nendaz

Mathieu R. Nendaz is Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education of the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.