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Summary of Conflict Resolution and Negotiation in Pediatric Surgery by Fahy et al. (2021)

Shahed Asfahani

RPN-BScN Blended Nursing Program Nipissing University

NSGD-2106: Clinical Practicum

Prof: Aldona Nowak

Feb 16th, 2023

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Occasional conflicts are common in everyday life, conflicts between family members,

colleagues or strangers can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons; strategies to resolve

the conflict are imperative and set the tone for the remainder of the interaction. In their article,

Conflict resolution and negotiation in pediatric surgery, Fahy et al. (2021) outlined several

models of conflict resolution and applied them in pediatric surgical practice. The authors looked

at conflicts between parents regarding neonatal care, conflict regarding cultural differences and

conflicts between colleagues. Fahy et al. (2021) discussed conflict resolution strategies such as

the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model, GRPI (Goals, roles, processes and interpersonal skills),

and the history and physical model.

The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict model looks at five different behaviors during conflict

and their effect on the resolution. The article addresses these behaviors in more detail; the

behaviors are presented as competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding and

accommodating. The GRPI model aims at prioritizing goals to help resolve conflict, the article

also mentions the importance of respectful interactions. Finally, the history and physical model is

aimed to assist with guiding family meetings to prevent conflicts by presenting a clear picture of

the issue.

Overall, the authors explored three models for conflict resolution in the context of a

pediatric surgical setting. The models can be used to resolve conflict/disagreements between

family members, team members, and between family members and team members.
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References

Fahy, A. S., Mueller, C., & Fecteau, A. (2021). Conflict resolution and negotiation in pediatric

surgery. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 30(5), 151100.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2021.151100