Conflict resolution and negotiation in pediatric surgery

Conflict is pervasive in pediatric surgery – it is experienced during patient care, in the operating room and between colleagues. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficience, non-maleficience and justice are firmly anchored in any discourse regarding conflict in the setting of healthcare. The authors review key features of conflict in healthcare including the effect on patient outcomes as well as implications for the ability of the surgeon and the medical team to function appropriately and safely when conflicts arise. Although most pediatric surgery fellowship programs have no formal training in conflict management, much has been written about strategies to teach and utilize techniques of conflict mitigation and negotiation. In this article, the authors discuss common areas of conflict in the medical environment and suggest useful tools for the practicing pediatric surgeon to aid in the resolution of conflict.