You should consider a situation of conflict that involves interprofessional and/or or intra-professional practice, that you have experienced or witnessed during professional practice placement. Ideally use a situation you have experienced, as this will be easier to answer a deeper reflection, however if you do not have an example you may use a situation you have witnessed.

A reflection of this experience, using the lens of non-technical skills we have reviewed. The reflective report should clearly use the Gibbs reflective framework to shape your report. Your response should demonstrate an in-depth reflection using the theories and concepts presented in the course. Your viewpoints and interpretations should be insightful and well supported

ANSWER

Reflective Report on an Interprofessional Conflict Experience in Professional Practice

Introduction

In professional practice, interprofessional conflicts can arise due to differences in roles, perspectives, and communication styles. This reflective report examines an interprofessional conflict experience I witnessed during my clinical placement, applying the Gibbs Reflective Framework to gain insight into the situation and explore the non-technical skills involved.

Description (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 1)

The conflict occurred during a patient care meeting involving nurses, physicians, and a social worker. The patient, Mr. Smith, was experiencing complex medical issues and needed a discharge plan. The nurses and social worker proposed a plan for Mr. Smith to receive home healthcare services to manage his condition, while the physician strongly believed that Mr. Smith required further hospitalization.

Feelings (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 2)

Witnessing this conflict was uncomfortable and frustrating. It was clear that each profession had a different perspective on what was best for the patient. Emotions ran high, with the physician emphasizing medical necessity, while the nurses and social worker focused on Mr. Smith’s desire to return home.

Evaluation (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 3)

This conflict highlighted the importance of non-technical skills in healthcare, particularly communication, teamwork, and decision-making. The healthcare professionals involved struggled to effectively communicate their perspectives and concerns, leading to a stalemate. The lack of collaboration hindered the development of a comprehensive care plan.

Analysis (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 4)

1. Communication Skills: The conflict revealed a breakdown in communication between the professions. Effective communication is essential for sharing perspectives, listening actively, and finding common ground.

2. Teamwork: The healthcare team failed to function cohesively. Interprofessional collaboration demands a shared commitment to patient-centered care, with each member contributing their expertise and respecting others’ viewpoints.

3. Decision-Making: The conflict illustrated the challenge of shared decision-making in healthcare. The absence of a structured process for resolving disagreements led to a standstill.

Conclusion (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 5)

This experience emphasized the significance of non-technical skills in addressing interprofessional conflicts. To enhance interprofessional practice, healthcare professionals should invest in communication training, teamwork development, and conflict resolution strategies. The ultimate goal is to prioritize patient-centered care, acknowledging that diverse perspectives enrich the decision-making process. The situation also highlighted the need for clear protocols and guidelines for resolving disputes within healthcare teams.

Action Plan (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 6)

To address interprofessional conflicts effectively in the future:
1. I will seek opportunities for communication training to improve my ability to articulate and listen to others’ viewpoints.
2. I will advocate for interprofessional teamwork initiatives within my clinical setting to promote a culture of collaboration.
3. I will familiarize myself with established conflict resolution protocols to facilitate resolution in challenging situations.

Conclusion (Gibbs Reflective Framework – Step 7)

Interprofessional conflicts are inevitable in healthcare settings, but they can be opportunities for growth and improved patient care when addressed with effective non-technical skills. Reflecting on this experience, I am committed to developing and applying these skills to promote collaborative and patient-centered care in my professional practice.