The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:2:122-128
doi: 10.1576/toag.11.2.122.27486
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Dealing with conflict and aggression in obstetrics and gynaecology
Bryony K Strachan, MA MRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist1 and
Jo Baden Fuller, MRCOG, Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology2
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michaels Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EG, UK Email: bryony.strachan{at}ubht.nhs.uk (corresponding author)
2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michaels Hospital, Bristol, UK
Information points:
- In a BMA survey, half of obstetricians and gynaecologists had experienced violence and aggression in the previous year.
- Patients and staff have a right to be treated with respect; staff should not tolerate physical or verbal abuse.
- Communication problems surrounding care and service provision are common causes of conflict.
- Effective antenatal and pre-admission planning can minimise conflict.
Learning objectives:
- To understand the causes of conflict and aggression and to be aware of strategies for prevention.
- To learn how to recognise potentially violent and aggressive situations and be able to manage them effectively.
Ethical issues:
- Is it possible to protect oneself in an abusive situation without compromising care?
- Healthcare staff have the right to work in a non-abusive working environment.
Please cite this article as: Strachan BK, Baden Fuller J. Dealing with conflict and aggression in obstetrics and gynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:122–128.
Keywords assault / communication / conflict resolution training / doctor–patient relationship / incident reporting
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.