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.
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.
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:
Related: How to train your interdisciplinary team
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 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.
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
Staff conflict resolution is a part of when disagreements or misunderstandings disrupt teamwork.
HIPAA ensures staff interactions protect patient privacy and prevent unauthorized disclosures of PHI.
Signs of a positive work environment include mutual respect, open communication, and a supportive culture.