Conflict in teamwork: understanding roles and relationships

Abstract

Out of the recognition that chronic renal failure has psychological and social as well as medical ramifications, the renal treatment team is composed of different professionals. As these disciplines respond to the psychosocial and medical dimensions, potential for role conflict arises. The paper focuses on this problem as it relates to the responsibilities of the social worker and the nurse clinician. The process is studied from the theoretical framework of role conflict, ambiguity, crisis, and resolution. A model of team development evolved from the study. Findings illustrate ways in which these conflicts can be minimized and clarified to enhance team functioning and improve services delivered to patients and their families.