Conflict Management Competencies for Surgical Residents: A Scoping Review

Sohrabi, Zohreh; Bigdeli, Shoaleh; Nosrati, Sohrab

doi:10.22062/sdme.2025.201408.1607

Conflict Management Competencies for Surgical Residents: A Scoping Review

Document Type : Review

Authors

Zohreh Sohrabi ¹

Shoaleh Bigdeli ²

Sohrab Nosrati ³

¹ PhD in Educational Management, Center for Educational Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² PhD in Philosophy of Education, Center for Educational Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

³ PhD in Medical Education, Center for Educational Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22062/sdme.2025.201408.1607

Abstract

Background: Conflict is prevalent in surgical clinical environments due to hierarchical cultures, communication challenges, and professional differences. Such conflicts adversely affect healthcare professionals, team performance, and patient safety. Despite their importance, conflict management competencies are often overlooked in surgical residency training.
Objectives: This review aims to identify the essential competencies in conflict management required of surgical residents.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across multiple national and international databases from January 2011 to March 20, 2024. Data extraction adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and inductive content analysis was used to synthesize findings.
Results: Of 9,252 retrieved articles, 35 met the inclusion criteria. Three main categories emerged: (1) Educational Approaches, including experiential learning methods such as simulations and role-playing; (2) Conflict Management Competencies, emphasizing critical skills such as emotional regulation, negotiation, communication, empathy, role clarity, and collaborative problem-solving; and (3) Contextual Factors influencing conflicts, including hierarchical structures, cultural diversity, and institutional dynamics.
Conclusion: Conflict in clinical settings is a multifaceted issue influenced by individual skills, pedagogical methods, and systemic factors. Effective conflict management requires integrated educational programs, combined with organizational culture reforms that promote transparent communication and equitable power dynamics. Embedding conflict management training within competency-based medical education frameworks is essential to prepare surgical residents better and improve patient care outcomes.

Highlights

Zohreh Sohrabi: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Shoaleh Bigdeli: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Sohrab Nosrati: (Google Scholar) (PubMed)

Keywords

Conflict Management

Surgical Residents

Competency-Based Medical Education

non-Technical Skills

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