How Do You Handle Disagreements Over Patient Care Approaches?

How Do You Handle Disagreements Over Patient Care Approaches?

When faced with divergent views on patient care, nursing professionals navigate complex dynamics to reach a resolution. A Medical Director emphasizes the importance of consulting specialists to achieve treatment consensus, while additional answers, including peer reviews and policy discussions, reflect the multifaceted strategies employed in the healthcare setting. From seeking mediation to engaging in multidisciplinary team meetings, these seven insights reveal the collaborative effort to ensure the highest standard of care.

• Consult Specialist for Treatment Consensus
• Empower Nurses to Resolve Care Barriers
• Refer to Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines
• Seek Nursing Supervisor Mediation
• Discuss in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings
• Review Hospital Policy for Conflict Resolution
• Initiate Peer Review for Objective Assessment

Consult Specialist for Treatment Consensus

There was a time when a colleague and I had differing opinions on the best approach for a patient's treatment plan. The patient had a chronic condition that required ongoing management, and my colleague suggested a more conservative approach, while I believed a more proactive treatment was necessary.

We decided to discuss our perspectives openly. I explained my reasoning, emphasizing the patient's history and the potential benefits of a more aggressive treatment plan. My colleague shared their concerns about possible side effects and the patient's overall well-being. This conversation allowed us to understand each other's viewpoints better.

To resolve the disagreement, we agreed to consult with a specialist who had more experience with this particular condition. The specialist provided valuable insights that helped us find a middle ground. We adjusted the treatment plan to incorporate elements from both approaches, ensuring the patient received comprehensive care while minimizing risks.

This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration in healthcare. It also highlighted the value of seeking additional expertise when needed. Ultimately, our combined efforts led to a better outcome for the patient, demonstrating that teamwork and mutual respect are essential in providing high-quality care.

Empower Nurses to Resolve Care Barriers

In my 30 years in healthcare, disagreements about patient care have been a common challenge. One situation that stands out, even 10 years later, involved a disagreement with a nurse over a dialysis patient's treatment schedule. I had changed the patient's dialysis time from 5 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday because the patient was late to over 75% of treatments, causing delays, staff overtime, and long post-treatment wait times for transportation.

The nurse disagreed, believing it wasn't the patient's fault but rather the transportation company's. At that time, we didn't have a social worker, but we were aware that the patient's family had complained about transportation issues. Additionally, the family had religious obligations on Saturdays, which made the schedule change inconvenient for them. My concern was patient safety, as waiting long hours for pickup led to fatigue and impacted the patient's well-being.

To resolve the issue, I tasked the nurse with finding a new transportation company that could ensure timely arrival. We allowed 30 days to arrange this, but despite efforts, we were unsuccessful in finding a suitable option. However, the nurse was able to get another mid-morning patient to switch treatment times, and a new transportation company started services within 14 days. This resolved the timing issue and reduced the patient's wait times.

As a result, the patient's treatment compliance improved, and eventually, their dialysis was reduced to twice weekly. They were able to get on the kidney transplant list and received a transplant 11 months later. The change in schedule was a win for both the patient and the clinic, improving health outcomes and ensuring the patient no longer faced barriers to care due to noncompliance.

This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, open communication, and empowering nurses to make decisions that benefit patients. It also highlighted the need for understanding the daily lives of chronic patients and how small changes can have significant impacts on their health and quality of life.

Refer to Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines

When registered nurses encounter differences of opinion regarding patient care approaches, they turn to evidence-based practice guidelines for resolution. These guidelines are developed through extensive research and clinical experience to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Nurses can consult the latest studies and data to inform their discussions and provide a common ground for decision-making.

By basing decisions on scientifically validated information, nurses can come to an agreement on the most effective and safest course of action for their patients. Encourage your team to always refer to evidence-based practices when a disagreement arises.

Seek Nursing Supervisor Mediation

In situations where disagreements arise over patient care methods, seeking assistance from a nursing supervisor can be an effective strategy. Nursing supervisors are equipped with the experience and authority to mediate conflicts and provide guidance. They have the responsibility to oversee patient care and ensure that the nursing staff works cohesively.

By deferring to a nursing supervisor, nurses can navigate through their professional differences and focus on delivering quality care. If you find yourself in a disagreement over patient care, do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor for mediation.

Discuss in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings

During multidisciplinary team meetings, registered nurses have the opportunity to discuss various approaches to patient care. These meetings provide a forum where diverse perspectives from different healthcare professionals can be harmoniously integrated. It is an avenue for meaningful dialogue where each member's expertise is valued and taken into account.

By discussing patient care collectively, nurses can reach a consensus that reflects a holistic view of the patient's needs. If there's a disagreement, suggest bringing the issue to the next multidisciplinary team meeting for a well-rounded discussion.

Review Hospital Policy for Conflict Resolution

Adherence to hospital policy and protocols is another way through which registered nurses handle disputes over patient care. Hospitals establish these policies to standardize care and ensure safety for all patients. When disagreements surface, reviewing the hospital's established protocols can provide a clear direction and help resolve conflicts.

These policies serve as a foundation for consistent and reliable patient care. Remember to familiarize yourself with your hospital's policies and use them as a guide when conflicts in patient care approaches occur.

Initiate Peer Review for Objective Assessment

Facilitating a peer review process often helps registered nurses address conflicts in patient care strategies. In a peer review, nurses evaluate each other's compliance with patient care standards and practices. This process can highlight areas of improvement and promote professional growth among nurses by providing constructive feedback.

It also ensures that all patient care decisions are accountable to the entire nursing team. When faced with disagreements, initiate a peer review to objectively assess and improve patient care approaches.