Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran

2 Epidemiology and Biostatistics

3 Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Providing the high‑quality services in hospitals depends on to minimize conflict
between all members within a health team. This study aimed to identify the causes of conflicts
experienced by clinical and administrative staff in hospitals.
METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was carried out in 2018. The sample included 320 clinical
and administrative staff from six hospitals affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences that
were selected using two‑step clustering sampling method. Data collection was accomplished by
self‑administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, t‑test, and ANOVA were used for data
analysis.
RESULTS: Total conflict score revealed that clinical staff had higher levels of perceived conflict than
administrative staff. In terms of organizational position, the study results showed a significant difference
in the reported conflict between nurse groups and other groups (physicians and paramedical,
administrative, financial, and logistic staff). The most important causes of conflict in the viewpoint of
clinical staff were organizational and job characteristics (3.54 ± 1.28), poor management (3.51 ± 1.12),
and inefficient communication system (3.42 ± 1.33). For administrative staff, on the other hand,
poor management (3.18 ± 1.33), inefficient communication system (3.17 ± 1.36), and attitudes and
perceptions (3.06 ± 1.41) were shown to be paramount factors.
CONCLUSION: Clinical and administrative staff of hospitals are like parts of a train track. The
irrational relationship between them will result in distortion and lower quality of services. Therefore,
effective strategies to decrease staffs’ experience of conflict need to be developed. This might create
a healthier and more productive work environment which positively affects the care quality.

Keywords

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