DOCTOR-NURSE CONFLICTS AND THE WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS IN SELECTED PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Doctor-nurse conflict remains a persistent challenge in public hospitals, threatening healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This study examined doctor-nurse conflict and its implications for patients’ well-being in selected public hospitals in Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the prevalence and dynamics of such conflicts, identified their major causes, examined their effects on patients’ well-being, and analyzed strategies for conflict reduction. The study was anchored on Social Conflict Theory, Functionalist Theory, and Symbolic Interactionist Theory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. Using quota sampling, respondents were selected from a population of 444 healthcare workers across 59 public hospitals in Kogi State. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Reliability testing using Cronbach alpha yielded coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.91, confirming instrument reliability. Hypotheses were tested using Multiple Linear Regression. Findings revealed that doctor-nurse conflict is prevalent in public hospitals, the respondents acknowledged the existence of no cordial professional relationships, which were generally weak. Major sources of conflict included lack of mutual respect, wage disparities, the quest for professional recognition, and disagreements over treatment approaches. The study further established that doctor-nurse conflict significantly affects patients’ well-being, with the regression model explaining 52.4% of the variance in patient outcomes (R² = .524). Conflict level was the strongest predictor (β = .386), followed by anxiety/depression (β = .298) and stress/trauma (β = .276), with all variables showing significant relationships (p < .001). The study concluded that doctor-nurse conflict has serious implications for patient care, healthcare policy, and practice. It recommended, among others effective conflict resolution mechanisms, improved communication and collaboration, recognition of both professions’ contributions, and clear communication protocols to reduce disagreements and enhance healthcare delivery.