Healthcare workers experience fear from various sources, including litigation risks and negative patient reviews online. Organizations often overemphasize preparing for legal issues while neglecting internal conflict resolution, which can alleviate provider anxiety. Healthcare providers need to develop conflict resolution initiatives that can be securely shared with staff through platforms like HIPAA compliant email systems.
What is internal conflict prevention?
Internal conflicts are disagreements, misunderstandings, or tension within a group. Internal conflict prevention is the proactive identification and address these conflicts and the possible disruption of teamwork and patient safety. A study published in the Healthcare Quarterly provides the reason behind the necessity for prevention initiatives, “Healthcare involves people interacting with other people to repair and preserve the health and personal integrity of patients. Often this involves issues about which people may have strongly held personal or religious values that may seem to be, and often are, irreconcilable.” They address the possible causes of communication gaps, and hierarchical power dynamics before conflict becomes a larger problem.
The role of internal conflict prevention initiatives
Teams that work together often have an increased likelihood of errors caused by miscommunication or disengagement. Conflict prevention improves the psychological safety of staff by encouraging them to report concerns or near misses without fear of blame. Through openness, healthcare workers are placed into an effective learning orientated culture where patient care can continuously improved.
The elements of this policy include:
- Encouraging regular team building activities
- Establishing clear communication protocols
- Confidential reporting systems
- Embedding conflict management competencies into organizational policies
Related: How to train your interdisciplinary team
How to use HIPAA compliant email to share internal conflict prevention initiatives
Targeted distribution lists
HIPAA compliant emails can be sent to staff with specific training modules. Set role specific email distribution lists (e.g., HR, department heads, or patient safety teams). This allows for the content shared to remain specific to the needs of specific groups and provide relevant actionable steps.
Email templates for faster updates
Email templates diminish the administrative burden placed upon healthcare workers and the training staff responsible for conflict prevention workshops or modules. Templates useful to conflict prevention might include summaries of workshops, successful resolutions, and case studies consisting of practical examples.
Integration with task management tools
HIPAA compliant email platforms like Paubox integrate easily with project management tools. This can be used to assign tasks and deadlines related to conflict prevention initiatives while keeping communication secure.
Related: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services
FAQs
When is staff conflict resolution necessary?
Staff conflict resolution is a part of when disagreements or misunderstandings disrupt teamwork.
What is the role of HIPAA in staff interactions?
HIPAA ensures staff interactions protect patient privacy and prevent unauthorized disclosures of PHI.
What are the signs of a positive work environment?
Signs of a positive work environment include mutual respect, open communication, and a supportive culture.
Kirsten Peremore
