The influence of conflicts among members of the clinical team on patient care; an explorative, descriptive study, Ghana

Background: The complex, multidisciplinary, and sophisticated healthcare environment makes professionals prone to conflict. This study described the influence of conflict among clinical care professionals on patient care in the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Methods: This qualitative cross-sectional descriptive study collected data from clinical care professionals through homogenous focus group discussions in the TTH. This tertiary care facility is the only teaching hospital that serves the five regions of the northern sector of Ghana and is in the eastern corridor of the Tamale metropolis. The focus group sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis that employed three interrelated stages of data reduction, display, and drawing of conclusions, with Nvivo software. Results: Conflict was described as an almost normal occurrence in complicated healthcare settings like the TTH. Personal and family problems, misunderstanding of medical jargon, a sense of being subdued, ambiguity of job descriptions of health workers, and improper dissemination of information were factors that led to conflicts in the hospital. The positive influences were that conflict ensures people comply with institutional rules and policies and promotes creative thinking. The negative consequences of conflict include the frustration of team members, poor patient care, and poor job output. Conclusion: Prompt and pragmatic measures must be instituted to alleviate hospital conflicts and mitigate their negative influence. A conflict alleviation committee that is fair, just, and prompt must be established to reduce the impact of conflict.