Each doctor agreed the approach was novel but most effective for the difficult case. I am alive and kicking to prove that they managed to cooperate. Their fears dissipated and so did mine. Unfortunately, the staff nurses did not feel the meeting was appropriate for them to attend. I remained the communication conduit between doctors and nurses, unless they changed an order.
Collaboration is the opposite of avoiding and competing.
Collaborating is a creative process. Participants analyze situations and define them at a higher level than where conflict arises. The players identify shared goals and commit to work together. The collaborative process works best when the situation requires creative, integrative solutions. Meeting both sides' goals and needs produces consensual decisions.