Describe a time when you had to deal with a conflicting opinion or disagreement within a multi-disciplinary team. How did you handle it?

JUNIOR LEVEL
Describe a time when you had to deal with a conflicting opinion or disagreement within a multi-disciplinary team. How did you handle it?
Sample answer to the question:
In my previous role as a Wound Care Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a conflicting opinion within a multi-disciplinary team when it came to the choice of wound dressing for a patient. The disagreement was between the physician and the pharmacist regarding the most appropriate dressing. To handle this situation, I initiated a meeting with the team members involved to discuss the differing perspectives and gather more information. I listened attentively to both parties and asked clarifying questions to fully understand their reasoning. After carefully considering the evidence and consulting wound care guidelines, I presented a compromise solution that incorporated aspects from both perspectives. This solution gave us the opportunity to try a different dressing while closely monitoring the patient's progress. By approaching the disagreement with open-mindedness and seeking a collaborative resolution, we were able to ensure the best possible care for the patient.
Here is a more solid answer:
During my time as a Wound Care Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a conflicting opinion within a multi-disciplinary team regarding the appropriate treatment plan for a patient with a chronic wound. The physician believed that surgical debridement was necessary, while the dietitian recommended a conservative approach with enhanced nutritional support. To address this disagreement, I proactively scheduled a team meeting to discuss the case in detail. During the meeting, I facilitated an open and respectful discussion, allowing each team member to express their viewpoints. I actively listened to their concerns and asked probing questions to gain a better understanding of their perspectives. Recognizing the importance of evidence-based practice, I conducted a literature review and presented relevant research to support both approaches. After careful consideration, I proposed a comprehensive care plan that incorporated elements from each perspective. The plan involved a trial of enhanced nutritional support while closely monitoring the wound's response. This solution not only integrated the diverse opinions of the team members but also accounted for the patient's specific needs. By fostering collaboration and utilizing problem-solving skills, we were able to reach a consensus that resulted in improved patient outcomes.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details about the conflicting opinions, the actions taken by the candidate, and the outcome of the situation. It demonstrates the candidate's skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. However, it could further improve by providing more context about the patient's condition and the impact of the chosen care plan on wound healing.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my role as a Wound Care Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a challenging situation within a multi-disciplinary team that involved a conflicting opinion regarding the management of a complex wound. The team consisted of physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, and physical therapists. The disagreement stemmed from differing interpretations of the wound's etiology and the appropriate approach to treatment. To effectively handle this conflict, I took a proactive approach by organizing a series of collaborative meetings to ensure everyone had an equal opportunity to express their perspectives and concerns. These meetings allowed us to delve deep into the clinical evidence, including published research and wound care guidelines, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the different treatment modalities available. Additionally, I actively sought input from all team members, encouraging open dialogue and respectful debate. By facilitating this process, we were able to identify common ground and develop a cohesive care plan that incorporated elements from each discipline. This plan integrated surgical debridement, nutritional support, and physical therapy techniques tailored to the patient's specific needs. Throughout the treatment process, I ensured frequent communication with the team members, providing updates on the patient's progress and making adjustments to the care plan as necessary. Ultimately, our collaborative approach resulted in an effective treatment outcome, with the wound showing significant improvement and the patient experiencing enhanced healing. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and strengthened my ability to navigate conflicting opinions for the benefit of patient care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the conflicting opinion within the multi-disciplinary team, showcasing the candidate's competence in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. The answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to gather and evaluate clinical evidence, facilitate open dialogue, and develop a comprehensive and tailored care plan. It also highlights the impact of the chosen approach on the patient's healing process. The exceptional answer excels by incorporating the perspectives of multiple disciplines within the team and highlighting the continuous communication and adjustment of the care plan based on the patient's progress.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with wound care guidelines and evidence-based practices to support your decision-making in challenging situations.
  • Practice active listening and effective communication skills to facilitate open dialogue within a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Develop your problem-solving skills by seeking opportunities to collaborate with professionals from different disciplines.
  • Reflect on past experiences where you have successfully managed conflicting opinions or disagreements within a team and identify the strategies that worked well for you.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

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