Psychosocial factors associated with conflicts among health professionals in the operating room in a Greek sample

Abstract

Aim The purpose of this study is to investigate conflicts and identify the factors that cause the creation of conflicts in the operating room as well as coping strategies for conflict resolution. Background The operating room is a special and changeable working environment, which is constantly evolving, and requires interdisciplinary team collaboration. Therefore, it is an environment that may cause conflict among employees. Method The study was conducted at three Public Hospitals of Athens, during the period from 1 April 2018, to 15 June 2018. The research tool used to conduct the research was the questionnaire of Kontogianni et al. (2011). The questionnaire consisted of four sections dealing with conflict issues and their management. The sample consisted of 185 nurses and medical staff. The level of statistical significance was set equal to .05. The questions were analysed through the statistical package SPSS 20. Results Τhe majority of participants had conflicts with colleagues (79%), with doctors (69.5%) and with nurses (43.7%). Τhe majority of the sample was unaware of conflict management strategies (60%). One of the important factors that intensify the conflicts is the burdensome workload in combination with the unsatisfactory salary. Avoidance is the preferred conflict management strategy (64.7%), followed by mutual benefit trading (55.4%.) Acceptance is the least appropriate strategy (10.9%). Conclusions In order to deal with conflicts in the operating room effectively, it is necessary for nurses and physicians to be trained in conflict management. Implications for nursing management Nursing managers should support the training of nurses in conflict management in order to create a climate of cooperation and reduce conflicts.

Work engagement, emotional disorders and conflict management styles in paediatric nurse: A mediating effect model

“…The person or group utilizing the conflict models approach ignores conflict is not a positive solution, whereas in the strategy of compromise, there is a negotiation between both parties. In this process, everyone will gain something and lose some things at the same time (Andriopoulou et al, 2021).…”