What is the main purpose of Alternative Dispute Resolution in nursing complaints?

• A. Protect the public and reach a confidential resolution without assigning blame
• B. Determine exactly what happened and assign responsibility
• C. Publicly disclose all details of the complaint
• D. Replace the need for any formal investigation

Answer: (A)

Alternative Dispute Resolution in nursing complaints centers on resolving concerns through a confidential, collaborative process rather than through formal blame and punishment. The goal is to protect patients and improve safety by addressing what happened, its impact, and what corrective actions are needed, without quickly assigning fault. ADR methods like mediation or facilitated dialogue allow parties to communicate openly, find a practical resolution, and often implement changes that prevent recurrence, all while keeping details private. This contrasts with approaches that try to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible, publicly disclose every detail, or replace formal investigations. Confidential, non-adversarial resolution aligns with patient safety and professional accountability while avoiding the stigma and confrontation of formal discipline.