Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Training for Nurses Working With Older Adults

Older adults frequently require complex care decisions causing potential patient-nurse conflicts due to perceived or real disconnects between care team recommendations and patient preferences.

This study evaluated a novel Negotiation and Dispute Resolution (NDR) training program designed to equip nurses with practical skills to navigate these challenges.

Nurses underwent 90-minute NDR training and then completed a mixed-method survey. Qualitative and quantitative responses were aggregated and analyzed.

All respondents reported frequent conflicts in their daily work with older adult patients. Only 34% (n = 29) rated their baseline negotiation knowledge above "limited" on a 5-point Likert scale (Very Substantial, Substantial, Moderate, Limited, or Very Limited). Post-training, all rated their knowledge as "moderate" or higher (P < .005) with high satisfaction and intent to apply learned strategies into practice.

This study demonstrates NDR training is feasible and effectively enhances nurses' negotiation knowledge and satisfaction.