Question

Dr. Johnson has been in private practice for 15 years, does not work on Fridays. As NEW hired NP in a family practice setting, You see a patient today for URI symptoms, the patient only complaint is the runny nose, all his vital signs are all within normal limits. The patient also has a diagnosis of hypertension, which is well controlled with low dose HCTZ. Your assessment is viral URI, and you prescribe OTC Sudafed and arrange for a follow-up appointment if symptoms persist. On Monday, Dr. Lopez calls you into office and says, “You shouldn't have given that patient Sudafed. He has high blood pressure.” He complains, “I had to call him and tell him not to take the Sudafed".

Question: How does this case study highlight the nature of the conflict?  

QUESTION: How does poor communication set up the situation that contributed to the conflict?

QUESTION: What skills are needed to resolve the conflict successfully?

Answer 1

• The nature of conflict highlighted is INTERPERSONAL.
• The superior is a trying to over rule the decision of a lower subordinate.
• Actually, it was possible for the doctor to convey possibility of drug-disease interaction thioughminor or negligible; which he didnot do; clearly reflects the lack of good communication.
• The conflict can be resolved by improved communication, improved rapport among the colleagues, improved mutual helping and reducing being the boss, as healthcare service is a team work and requires a leader but not a boss.

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