Collaborative Practices in Health Care Communities: A Culture of Conflict Engagement

Conflict engagement and resolution practices among staff are growing applications in American health care organizations. Research supported by the Joint Commission, Center for American Nurses, Institute of Medicine and other agencies have identified disruptive behaviors by health care professionals as a significant factor in nurse job satisfaction, retention and patient safety. These behaviors, including overt or passive intimidation, condescending language, and reluctance to cooperate, can have negative consequences, such as adverse patient outcomes, malpractice threats and loss of retention. The transition of U.S. the health care system towards a patient-centered model promises a new national focus on health promotion, disease prevention, education and empowerment by nurse-managed organizations that replace hierarchical structures and provide an opportunity to transform patterns of power and behavior towards a culture of safety and respect. In this session we explore research conducted among nurses and health care administrators in Greensboro, NC that addresses these issues and the role of restorative practices in health care reform.