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 write 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

A Reflection on Interprofessional Conflict in Healthcare Practice

Introduction

In the course of my professional practice placement, I encountered a situation that involved interprofessional conflict, which provided a valuable opportunity for reflection. This reflective report will use the Gibbs Reflective Framework to explore the incident through the lens of non-technical skills. The aim is to delve into the complexities of the situation, analyze the contributing factors, and draw lessons for improving interprofessional collaboration.

Description

The incident occurred during the care of a patient with complex needs, requiring the involvement of nurses, physicians, and physical therapists. The patient had mobility limitations, and there was a disagreement between the nurse and physical therapist regarding the appropriate plan of care. The nurse believed that the patient should receive physical therapy immediately to prevent further deterioration, while the physical therapist argued for a more cautious approach due to the patient’s medical history.

Feelings

At the time, I felt a mix of frustration and confusion. The conflicting viewpoints of the nurse and physical therapist created tension in the team, which I found uncomfortable. As a student, I was unsure about how to navigate this conflict effectively or contribute positively to its resolution.

Evaluation

Upon reflection, it is evident that non-technical skills played a significant role in this conflict situation. Communication, teamwork, and leadership were all key factors contributing to the disagreement between the nurse and the physical therapist.

1. Communication: The nurse and physical therapist had differing communication styles and approaches to conveying their concerns. This mismatch in communication strategies hindered effective information exchange.

2. Teamwork: The incident highlighted a lack of effective teamwork, as team members were not actively seeking common ground or understanding each other’s perspectives. Instead, they became entrenched in their positions.

3. Leadership: Leadership within the team was unclear, and there was a lack of someone to facilitate the resolution of the conflict. This absence of leadership exacerbated the disagreement.

Analysis

The conflict could have been better managed through the application of non-technical skills. Effective communication is fundamental to collaborative practice. Encouraging open and respectful dialogue between team members, where concerns are expressed and acknowledged, can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Moreover, embracing teamwork skills, such as active listening and consensus-building, could have helped bridge the gap between the nurse and physical therapist’s viewpoints. Lastly, clear leadership is crucial for guiding the team towards a resolution. In this situation, a designated leader could have facilitated a discussion to find a compromise that considered the patient’s best interests.

Conclusion

This reflection on the interprofessional conflict experienced during my professional practice placement underscores the importance of non-technical skills in healthcare. Effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential for promoting collaborative practice and resolving conflicts constructively. Moving forward, I am committed to developing these skills further to contribute positively to interprofessional teamwork and, ultimately, enhance patient care. This experience has taught me that conflicts, when managed appropriately, can be opportunities for growth and improvement in the healthcare profession.