SDS Accreditation Update
Some changes are for hospitals only
Under new leadership standards from The Joint Commission (TJC) that take affect in 2009, only hospitals will be required to focus on conflict that may affect safety and quality.
Senior leaders must create a process for conflict management, says Maureen Carr, project director, Division of Standards and Survey Methods at TJC.
The organization needs to identify a skilled person who can help in the conflict management process, says Sue Dill Calloway, MSN, JD, RN, director of hospital patient safety at OHIC Insurance Co./The Doctors Company, Columbus, OH. These people can be from within the organization, such as human resource management, or from people outside the organization, Calloway says.
A designated person can meet with the involved parties and work to manage or resolve the conflict, Carr says. "We realize that conflict sometimes isn't resolved, but they need to make sure safety and quality are not harmed," she says.
Learn conflict resolution
Conflict management skills can be obtained through experience, education, and training, Calloway says. "Many places offer conflict resolution classes," she says.
If the organization chooses to train its leaders, it may offer training to key individuals or bring in experts to teach conflict management skills, Calloway says. "Most [facilities] will probably decide to offer a course on conflict management to their senior leaders and department managers," she says.
Hospitals leaders also are required to identify their shared and unique accountabilities to the organization, Carr says. For example, the medical staff are responsible for overseeing the quality of care, she says. Management is responsible for hiring competent staff.
The governing body needs to provide resources, Carr says. "That's their accountability," she points out.
Under new leadership standards from The Joint Commission (TJC) that take affect in 2009, only hospitals will be required to focus on conflict that may affect safety and quality.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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