Conflict Management Strategies in Hospital Settings: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Background: Conflict is a common issue in hospital settings due to multidisciplinary collaboration, high workloads, ineffective communication, and organizational complexity. Poor conflict management may negatively affect teamwork, healthcare quality, and patient safety. Therefore, understanding effective conflict management strategies is essential for improving healthcare services.Aims: This study aimed to identify and synthesize evidence regarding conflict management strategies implemented in hospital settings and their impact on patient safety outcomes.Methods: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Articles published between 2021 and 2026 were searched through ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Dimensions AI. After screening based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 eligible studies were included and analyzed descriptively, while bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer.Results: The review demonstrated that effective communication, teamwork, leadership support, conflict management training, role clarification, collaborative problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making were the most effective strategies for managing workplace conflict. These strategies improved interprofessional collaboration, strengthened patient safety culture, reduced workplace stress, and enhanced healthcare service quality.Conclusion: Effective conflict management is essential for improving teamwork and patient safety in hospital settings. Hospitals should strengthen organizational support, provide regular conflict management training, and promote open communication to improve healthcare quality and patient safety.