THE IMPACT OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AMONG NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL MULTAN

Abstract

Background: Conflict among healthcare professionals is a well-documented challenge that significantly impacts patient care quality and workplace harmony. In tertiary care hospitals, where multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial, unresolved conflicts can delay treatment, increase stress levels, and compromise patient safety. Effective communication has been identified as a vital tool for conflict resolution, promoting teamwork, and enhancing patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the role of effective communication in conflict management among nurses and healthcare professionals in a tertiary care hospital setting.

Objective: The primary objective was to assess conflict management practices among healthcare professionals, while the secondary objective focused on identifying strategies used to control conflicts, emphasizing the role of effective communication.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 healthcare professionals working in a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire focusing on effective communication and conflict management. A Visual Analogue Scale (0–100) was used to assess healthcare professionals' satisfaction with their conflict resolution practices. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, employing descriptive statistics to summarize frequencies and percentages.

Results: Among the 50 participants, 78% reported that conflicts had a negative impact on patient care. Approximately 70% of healthcare professionals expressed satisfaction with their conflict management abilities following effective communication interventions. Furthermore, 82% acknowledged that scheduled communication practices and collaborative prescription orders significantly reduced conflict incidences within their departments.

Conclusion: Conflict remains a persistent issue in healthcare settings, affecting patient outcomes and workplace efficiency. Effective communication was found to be a powerful tool in improving conflict management, leading to better teamwork and higher satisfaction among healthcare professionals. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration and promoting structured communication strategies are essential to creating a conflict-resilient healthcare environment.