Conflict Resolution in Healthcare Whose Responsibility Is

Conflict Resolution in Healthcare Whose responsibility is conflict resolution within the healthcare setting? Conflict resolution in the healthcare setting is often the responsibility of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) specialist or an arbitrator, who works within the healthcare community in a wide variety of conflict resolution cases. Some large healthcare institutions are finding it helpful to staff their own neutral internal mediator who is always available for conflict resolution. As these experts note, "Conflict within the healthcare industry is not confined to singular disputes with external entities.

Rather, it evolves from a variety of sources and differs significantly depending on whether the source(s) originates within an organizational framework or a clinical environment" (Hayes et al., p. 2). Because there are such a wide variety of issues and conflicts facing the healthcare industry, there are also specific skills necessary to be an effective and fair ADR specialist, which is why most healthcare organizations and practitioners rely on professional specialists when disputes arise. 2.

What do successful conflict resolution programs within healthcare include? There are some common characteristics of the most successful conflict resolution programs in the healthcare setting. Successful programs allow people to be heard when they have complaints or conflicts. This helps encourage equality and a feeling of personal strength. Allowing all the people involved to feel like they are on equal footing is very important in the successful resolution process.

Attempting to resolve the conflicts in the early stages of discussion is also important, and so is efficient communication between all the parties. The institution also needs to create a protected and neutral environment for discussion and initial problem solving. This lets the parties know they are not in litigation, but rather in discussion. The organization also needs to make sure that relationships are improved or preserved throughout the process, and that they do not break down or deteriorate as the process continues. And finally, the institution should.