Impact of emotional intelligence in resolving clinical conflicts among postgraduate residents of surgery

Abstract

Background & Objective: Emotional intelligence (EI) can become a vital tool for resolving clinical conflicts (CC) in surgery. The postgraduate residents focus on the technical skills and undermine the soft skills required for their better training. Our aim was to determine the EI of postgraduate resident (PGR) years one & two in General and Orthopedic Surgery. The CC in their workplace and how they use their EI to resolve these conflicts. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted from March 10, 2019 to May 28, 2020 at Departments of General and Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. The study was conducted in two phases 1 & 2. In Phase-1, one hundred PGR years one & two were administered the Mayor-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence test (MSCEIT) to measure EI. In phase-2, semi-structured in-depth interviews of 10 PGRs five with high and five with low EI were conducted to determine the CC and use of EI to resolve the CC at the workplace. A thematic analysis was done. Results: Out of 100 PGR, the mean EI score was 46.25±14.8 with a maximum score of 75.4, and a minimum score of 18.16 (p-value =0.775). Ninety-one (91%) have not improving EI, and 09 (09%) have considered developing EI. Five themes in four settings, including emergency, ward, elective operation theatre, and outpatient department (OPD) were determined. The emerged themes for the CC were nepotism, gender biases, burnout, lack of professionalism, and toxic culture. The following were CC management strategies: self-study, deceit, gender affinity, performing attention-attaining work, aggrieved reaction and being disgruntled when alone. Conclusion: None of the PGR was emotionally intelligent in overall grades, as well as a particular aspect of MSCEIT.