Health Care Section Editorial (August 2003)

Welcome to the Health Care Section at Mediate.com! The integration of dispute resolution and conflict management practices into the health care industry poses special challenges for ADR practitioners. The complexity and unique culture of health care organizations create a perfect environment for growing conflicts that often escalate into formal disputes. Until recently, the health care industry has had relatively little opportunity for incorporating complementary conflict resolution processes into the delivery system. Competing pressures from federal and state government, purchasing cooperatives, technology and drug manufacturers, health care providers and health care consumers continue to increase the need for better methods of preventing and resolving conflicts in the clinical setting. The medical malpractice crisis is just one example of how resources are misdirected toward litigation and liability insurance rather than patient care and improving quality outcomes. Incorporating solid dispute resolution processes and conflict prevention programs into the health care setting can redirect resources to improve outcomes, enhance retention of health care providers, and improve patient satisfaction.

This section is dedicated to the sharing of information, ideas, and solutions for addressing the issues faced by health care organizations and professional groups through the application of conflict management practices. Through integration of ADR principles and processes into the delivery of health services, dispute resolution professionals can foster a culture change in health care systems that will create healing environments for patients and their families and develop collaborative work environments for health care professionals.

A Votre Sante!

                       

Debra Gerardi

Ms. Gerardi is a mediator and health care dispute resolution consultant and Chair of the Program on Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Resolution at the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University. Ms. Gerardi is a licensed critical care nurse with more than 15 years of clinical and… MORE >