THE EFFECTIVE CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTED BY LEADERS IN EMERGENCY CARE IS FUNDAMENTAL FOR ACHIEVING IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Emergency departments are high-stakes environments where leadership significantly influences team dynamics, particularly through conflict management. Poor conflict handling can compromise patient safety, while effective leadership can enhance resilience, communication, and health outcomes.

Objective: To systematically review empirical evidence on how leadership-driven conflict management in emergency care impacts team performance and patient safety.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 were searched using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving emergency care staff and leadership behaviors linked to conflict resolution. Data from 20 studies were synthesized narratively due to methodological diversity.

Results: Transformational leadership was consistently associated with collaborative and integrating conflict styles. Toxic or authoritarian leadership correlated with avoidance and dominating behaviors, decreased morale, and compromised safety. Training interventions showed significant improvements in communication and resilience. Institutional support systems were found to enhance conflict management outcomes.

Conclusion: Effective conflict management by leaders is a cornerstone of high-functioning emergency departments. Leadership training and systemic support can foster safer, more resilient healthcare environments with improved clinical outcomes.