Conflict on interprofessional primary health care teams – can it be resolved?

Abstract

Increasingly, primary health care teams (PHCTs) depend on the contributions of multiple professionals. However, conflict is inevitable on teams. This article examines PHCTs members' experiences with conflict and responses to conflict. This phenomenological study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 121 participants from 16 PHCTs (10 urban and 6 rural) including a wide range of health care professionals. An iterative analysis process was used to examine the verbatim transcripts. The analysis revealed three main themes: sources of team conflict; barriers to conflict resolution; and strategies for conflict resolution. Sources of team conflict included: role boundary issues; scope of practice; and accountability. Barriers to conflict resolution were: lack of time and workload; people in less powerful positions; lack of recognition or motivation to address conflict; and avoiding confrontation for fear of causing emotional discomfort. Team strategies for conflict resolution included interventions by team leaders and the development of conflict management protocols. Individual strategies included: open and direct communication; a willingness to find solutions; showing respect; and humility. Conflict is inherent in teamwork. However, understanding the potential barriers to conflict resolution can assist PHCTs in developing strategies to resolve conflict in a timely fashion.

Keywords:

• Interprofessional teamwork
• primary health care
• conflict
• conflict resolution
• phenomenology

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was provided by the Primary Health Care Transition Fund through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Dr. Moira Stewart is funded by the Dr. Brian W. Gilbert Canada Research Chair.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.