A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF DOCTORS-NURSES CONFLICT ON PATIENTS' HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Conflict between doctors and nurses is a notable phenomenon that affect the quality of healthcare service delivery to patients in hospitals. In order to achieve the overall objective for which healthcare system is set up, conflict between doctors and nurses must be managed in such a way that patients will not be at the receiving end. Therefore, this paper reviewed the effects of doctor-nurse conflict on patients' healthcare in Nigeria. Specifically, the paper examines the dimensions of doctors-nurses relationship in Nigerian healthcare system, identifies the types, the sources as well as the effects of doctors-nurses conflict especially on patients healthcare in Nigeria. Using social conflict theory, the paper adopted a theoretical approach and secondary sources of data collection. The paper revealed that the relationship between nurses and doctors takes the dimensions that can be likened to that of superior and subordinate relationship. The paper also highlighted constructive, destructive, vertical, horizontal, staff line, role and inner conflicts as types of conflict existing between doctors and nurses in most hospital. The paper identified gender differences, disparities in remuneration, lack of trust and mutual respect, power imbalance and quest for recognition among others, as sources of conflict between nurses and doctors in the healthcare system. The paper equally identified poor patient care coordination, patient's dissatisfaction, medication errors, failure to save patients, and even deaths as some of the effects of doctors-nurses conflict on patients' healthcare. The paper therefore concludes that disputes between nurses and doctors in a complex organization like the hospital are a part of everyday work and pose a serious threat to the attainment of the established objectives (which is to guarantee the quality of care provided to patients) if not well managed. Therefore, To improve patient healthcare, it is crucial for Nigerian public hospitals to address these conflicts through better communication protocols, team-building initiatives, and clearer delineation of roles and responsibilities. Enhancing interprofessional education and fostering a culture of mutual respect between doctors and nurses can help create a more harmonious working environment, ultimately benefiting patient care and overall health outcomes.