4.1.a Module Overview and Objectives

Module 4: Conflict Transformation

This module will enable learners to critically examine the impact of conflict within health care teams and to understand best practices that support sustainable, peaceful engagement and collaboration. Conflict transformation involves discovery of the potential for conflict, exploration of the underlying conditions which lead to conflict, and strategic systems thinking to change the dynamics of the interaction on an ongoing basis. In health professional teams, conflict transformation requires accepting individual accountability for one’s own actions and communication style, while remaining aware of typical sources of tension between and across professional groups.

By peace we mean the capacity to transform conflicts with empathy, without violence, and creatively -- a never-ending progress" - John Galtung

Module Description

This module is divided into three parts, focusing on three key aspects of conflict that learners must become familiar with: the role of self in conflict, how and when conflict occurs, and strategies to transform conflict in an interprofessional team.

In this module, you will learn how to apply elements of the person-centred decision making process to transform conflict, including how to revise the plan, and how and when to make or defer a decision. The tools and content in this module are applied to Geeta’s Story, which illustrates the experience of transferring from a home birth to a hospital, and the conflicts that may arise. Interactions between clients and health care providers during pivotal events can lead to positive or adverse impacts on safety, quality of care, effective teamwork.

You will review evidence-based information and resources on best practices that lead to conflict transformation in the health care setting. You will also evaluate your own conflict management style and to learn the styles of others. Conflict in the workplace can be complex and difficult.  The skills taught in this module can provide a foundation for recognizing, mitigating, and transforming conflict into an opportunity for high quality, person-centred care.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the impact of conflict on the health of individuals, teams, and systems of maternity care.
2. Discuss factors that may influence decision making and contribute to interprofessional conflict.
3. Demonstrate effective use of conflict transformation strategies.
4. Identify and discuss different conflict management styles.