Two approaches to resolve conflicts within a healthcare team without compromising patient safety.

• A. Passive listening and avoidance.
• B. Relying on a single authority without team input.
• C. Documenting complaints in the chart.
• D. Structured communication (e.g., SBAR) and collaborative problem solving with escalation when needed.

Answer: (D)

Structured communication and collaborative problem solving are key to resolving conflicts without putting patient safety at risk. Using SBAR—Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation—provides a clear, concise framework for raising concerns so everyone understands the issue, why it matters, and what needs to happen. This shared language helps prevent miscommunication that can lead to errors and ensures safety concerns are communicated quickly and accurately. Pairing that with collaborative problem solving and escalation when needed brings the whole team into the process, drawing on diverse perspectives and ensuring the right level of authority is engaged to protect patients.

When conflicts are handled poorly, issues tend to fester. Passive listening and avoidance keep concerns from being voiced or addressed, increasing the chance of unsafe decisions. Relying on a single authority sidelines other important insights from team members who are directly involved in care. Merely documenting complaints in the chart records problems but doesn’t actively resolve them or safeguard patients in real time. The combination of structured communication and collaborative action with escalation when appropriate actively promotes safety and effective teamwork.