Exploring Experiences of Conflict within Medical Teams in an Emergency Department: A Focus Group Approach during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The factors related to conflicts in emergency departments (EDs) have been studied for decades. The post-pandemic digital era may transform the medical landscape in EDs, potentially changing the patterns of conflict between healthcare professionals. This study used focus group interviews to explore conflicts in EDs. Four groups, each with 4–6 participants, took part in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using six research questions. Summative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The participant’s average age was 37.82 years, and the average number of working years was 12.12. The following five themes emerged: multiple patterns of internal conflict; external conflicts arising from cross-departmental coordination; conflicts due to unclear job boundaries; adapting to conflicts in diverse ways; and seeking hospital arbitration. The results of this study suggest extending interdisciplinary collaborative practice from emergency departments to all coordinating departments. An inclusive environment for equality between professions and open communication should be promoted by hospitals.

Keywords

• emergency department
• conflict experience
• focus group