What are the risks of ignoring conflicts with physicians who are not following established care protocols?

1 Causes of non-compliance

Physicians may not follow the care protocols for various reasons, such as lack of awareness, disagreement, preference, or habit. Sometimes, they may have valid clinical reasons to deviate from the standard guidelines, based on their expertise and judgment. However, other times, they may be influenced by personal, professional, or financial factors that conflict with the best interests of the client. For example, they may be reluctant to change their practice patterns, resistant to evidence-based recommendations, or motivated by incentives or pressures from other stakeholders.

3 Strategies for resolution

To avoid or minimize the risks of ignoring the conflicts with physicians who are not following the care protocols, the case manager can employ a few strategies to resolve them. For example, they can educate and inform the physician with reliable information about the care protocols, such as its rationale, evidence, benefits, and risks. Additionally, they can negotiate and compromise by engaging in a constructive dialogue to understand the physician's perspective. They can also escalate and involve other professionals or authorities for assistance and support. Finally, they can involve the client and their family in the decision-making process to empower them to voice their opinions and preferences.

4 Tips for success

To increase the chances of success in resolving the conflicts with physicians who are not following the care protocols, the case manager can be proactive and timely in identifying and addressing potential or actual conflicts. Additionally, they should approach the physician with respect and empathy, and communicate clearly and confidently their role, responsibilities, and expectations. Furthermore, they should assert their professional values and standards, and advocate for the client's best interests and rights. Ignoring the conflicts can have serious risks for all involved, so it is important to use effective strategies to resolve them while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and quality among the care team members.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?