Conflict Management Training and Nurse-Physician Collaborative Behaviors

In Brief Collaboration between nurses and physicians continues to be elusive although it is a desirable goal for most in health care. This study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the outcomes of a conflict resolution (management) training program on nurses' perception of their collaboration with the physicians with whom they work. Results showed no differences between the experimental and control groups following the intervention. Individual readiness and evaluation of the antecedents of collaboration should be determined before implementing such an intervention. The authors studied the effect of a conflict resolution program on nurses' perceptions of their collaboration with physicians and recommend evaluation of readiness to collaborate prior to offering such a program.