PERCEIVED STRATEGIES FOR FOSTERING HEALTHY INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN THE TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN ENUGU STATE

This study examined perceived strategies for fostering healthy interpersonal relationship among health professionals in the tertiary hospital in Enugu State. The specific objectives included to: identify the communication structure that fosters healthy interpersonal relationships as perceived by health professionals in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital( ESUTTH) Parklane; determine the institutional culture that fosters positive interpersonal relationship development as perceived by health professionals in ESUTH; identify opportunities for inter departmental dialogue that enhance positive relationships as perceived by different health professionals in ESUTH; identify conflict resolution strategies that foster healthy interpersonal relationships as perceived by health professionals in ESUTH. Non-experimental descriptive co relational research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 254 participants was determined using the Creative Research System Survey Software 2010 power analysis. Validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that health professionals in ESUTH identified communication structure, institutional culture, opportunities for inter departmental dialogue and conflict resolution strategies which constitute significant factors that could foster interpersonal relationships among health professionals. Inclusion of effective communication as a criterion in formal appraisal performance as a qualification for professional advancement was not accepted by the respondents with mean scores of 2.87 ± 1.06. Respondents do not agreed that every group of health care professionals should be involved in the decision making process with mean value 2.52 ± 1.05. It was concluded that strategies that foster a healthy interpersonal relationship include a good communication structure, a well enforced institutional culture, creating opportunities for inter departmental dialogue and conflict resolution procedure. Creation of opportunities for interdepartmental gathering is recommended for socialisation with colleagues which enhances development of healthy interprofessional relationship