A qualitative study of sources and consequences of conflicts in healthcare teams

Interprofessional collaborative practice represents a cornerstone for patient care. Conversely, conflicts between healthcare professionals may lower the quality and safety of patient care, and negatively affect professional interactions. This study aims to develop a better understanding of healthcare professionals’ experiences of conflict by focusing on sources and consequences of conflicts, as well as on responses to conflicts.

We conducted 82 semi-structured interviews with fellows, residents, nurse supervisors, nurses, and certified nursing assistants. These interviews were conducted between 2014 and early 2016 in four departments of the University Hospitals of Geneva.

Articles reporting on results from this study are currently in preparation, but some results have already been presented at several conferences and scientific meetings.