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Effective Communication (effective + communication)
Selected AbstractsEffective Communication in Environmental ManagementENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2001Kevin J. Sobnosky Communication is the glue that holds together the elements of an environmental management system. This article offers some practical tips on how to ensure that your environmental communication system is doing the job you want it to. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] The Need for Effective Communication with Market StakeholdersAUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING REVIEW, Issue 32 2004Karen Hamilton Good corporate governance practices have become increasingly important in determining the cost of capital in global capital markets. The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) aims to promote an environment of market confidence so that listed companies can obtain reasonably priced capital and maximise the value of their listing. As the market operator, the exchange has the ability to set and monitor disclosure standards and to support dialogue between companies and investors. However, a problem with corporate governance disclosures in Australia is that they have not delivered particularly meaningful information to investors about the performance of individual companies. [source] The data-driven seismic value chain, providing a business context for the velocity issueGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 6 2004A.J. Berkhout ABSTRACT Effective communication between seismic specialists should be facilitated by a shared process model that can be used at different levels of abstraction. In this shared model the seismic work-flow is presented as a value chain, showing the complex interrelationships between the broad range of specialized activities that are needed in today's practice. One of these activities is velocity estimation, providing the relationship between seismic time and geological depth. Excellence in the seismic value chain will depend on the quality of the specialized tools and skills (abilities) involved, as well as on the capability of the organization to combine these abilities in an integrated work-flow to realize maximum value at the end of the chain. [source] The challenges for nurses communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities within the accident and emergency care serviceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9 2007Margaret Sowney MSc Aim., This paper reports the challenges experienced by nurses within accident and emergency departments in communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities. Background., Consent is both a legal requirement and an ethical principle required to be obtained by health-care professionals, prior to the start of any examination, treatment and/or care. Central to the process of seeking consent is effective communication. However, evidence shows that people with intellectual disabilities are not viewed by professionals within acute general hospitals as a vital source of information, neither are they often communicated with directly, nor involved in discussions or decisions about their health care and are frequently not directly asked for their consent. Method., A purposive sample of nurses working within the accident and emergency departments of five general hospitals was recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Data were collected from five focus groups. Findings., Effective communication was identified as the most challenging aspect in caring for adults with intellectual disabilities within this environment, having an impact on the assessment of needs, informing patients of their health status and seeking valid consent. Conclusions., Fundamental to the provision of quality care are the concepts communication, choice and control. However, these issues are perceived to be more challenging in the provision of health care to people with intellectual disabilities. Communication and consent, therefore, require further consideration within the educational and clinical areas to strengthen nurses' competence in caring for people with intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis and understanding that choice and control are key principles for all people, being central aspects to the provision of an inclusive service for people with intellectual disabilities. Relevance to clinical practice., All nurses need to have a greater awareness of learning disability, how to increase opportunities for effective communication and be very familiar with the issue and guidelines relating to consent, to ensure that people with learning disabilities have choice, control and are more active in decision making regarding their health. [source] Patient-Dentist Communication: An Adjunct to Successful Complete Denture TreatmentJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 6 2010Kamal Shigli BDS Abstract Dentists are considered masters in technical skills and should be able to provide quick solutions to problems that can best be solved through communicating patiently with patients. Effective communication coupled with good clinical skills can lead to apt treatment and satisfaction for both the patient and the dentist. This article intends to highlight the communication skills that can improve the prognosis of complete denture treatment. [source] An Assessment of the Terminology Used by Diplomates and Students to Describe the Character of Equine Mitral and Aortic Valve Regurgitant Murmurs: Correlations with the Physical Properties of the SoundsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2003Jonathan M. Naylor Twenty students and 16 diplomates listened to 7 recordings made from 7 horses with either aortic (n = 3) or mitral valve (n = 4) regurgitant murmurs. A total of 30 different terms were used to describe the character of these murmurs. However, only 4 terms were used in a repeatable and consistent manner. Most people described the character of a given mitral or aortic valve murmur with 1 or 2 terms. Diplomates drew from a pool of terms that was about half the size of that used by students,.1 ±2.0 terms for diplomats (mean ±1 SD) versus 13.1 ±1.8 terms for students (P < .001). Only blowing, honking, buzzing, and musical were markedly associated with the recording played. Frequency analysis of the murmurs allowed them to be classified as containing harmonics (n = 4) or not containing harmonics (n = 3). Blowing was used to describe murmurs without harmonics on 39 of 48 occasions and corresponds to the term noisy used in some older descriptions of equine murmurs. Honking, musical, and buzzing were markedly associated with murmurs that contained harmonics; these terms were used 23, 13, and 12 of a possible 64 times, respectively. The frequency of buzzing and honking murmurs (72.7 ±9.3 and 88.4 ±46.3 Hz, respectively) was markedly lower than that of musical murmurs (156.8 ±81.1 Hz) (all P values <.01). Honking murmurs (0.392 ±0.092 seconds) were shorter than those described as buzzing or musical (0.496 ±0.205 and 0.504 ±0.116 seconds, respectively). The data suggest that the terminology for the character of aortic and mitral regurgitant murmurs should be restricted to 4 terms: blowing, honking, buzzing, and musical. Honking, buzzing, and musical describe murmurs with a peak dominant frequency and harmonics; blowing describes murmurs without a peak frequency. Effective communication could be enhanced by playing examples of reference sounds when these terms are taught so that nomenclature is used more uniformly. Key words: Cardiac; Heart; Learning; Meaning. [source] From First Design Brainstorm Session to Final Coat of Paint: Communication, an Essential ConstantNEW DIRECTIONS FOR STUDENT SERVICES, Issue 101 2003Jerry Price Hundreds of variables must be considered when undertaking even the smallest construction project. When renovating a still-occupied seven-hundred-bed residence complex, however, the details to manage seem endless. Effective communication among all parties,especially students,is essential to completing the project successfully. [source] Psychiatric disorders in advanced cancerCANCER, Issue 8 2007Michael Miovic MD Abstract BACKGROUND. Emotional distress and psychiatric disorders are common among patients with advanced cancer. Oncologists play an important role in screening for these conditions, providing first-line treatment and referring patients for further evaluation and treatment when indicated. METHODS. The literature on psycho-oncology was reviewed, focusing on the epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of psychiatric disorders (adjustment disorders, major depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, substance abuse, and major mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) in patients with advanced cancer. Communication skills and the role of the oncologist in dealing with end-of-life issues were also reviewed. Relevant data were summarized from the most recent systematic reviews, epidemiological studies, and intervention trials. Clinical recommendations are provided. RESULTS. About 50% of patients with advanced cancer meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, the most common being adjustment disorders (11%,35%) and major depression (5%,26%). Both psychosocial and pharmacological treatments are effective for anxiety and depression, although existing studies have methodological limitations. Collaboration with mental health specialists is recommended for patients with personality disorders, major mental illness, and substance abuse problems. Effective communication involves active listening, exploring emotion and meaning, addressing prognosis, and discussing end-of-life issues when relevant. CONCLUSIONS. Treating psychiatric conditions improves quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Oncologists play a key role in screening for psychiatric disorders, initiating first-line treatments for depression and anxiety, and communicating with patients and caregivers about prognosis and end-of-life issues. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source] Research Priorities for Surge CapacityACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2006Richard E. Rothman MD The 2006 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference discussed key concepts within the field of surge capacity. Within the breakout session on research priorities, experts in disaster medicine and other related fields used a structured nominal-group process to delineate five critical areas of research. Of the 14 potential areas of discovery identified by the group, the top five were the following: 1) defining criteria and methods for decision making regarding allocation of scarce resources, 2) determining effective triage protocols, 3) determining key decision makers for surge-capacity planning and means to evaluate response efficacy (e.g., incident command), 4) developing effective communication and information-sharing strategies (situational awareness) for public-health decision support, and 5) developing methods and evaluations for meeting workforce needs. Five working groups were formed to consider the above areas and to devise sample research questions that were refined further by the entire group of participants. [source] Evaluation of the knowledge of the treatment of avulsions in elementary school teachers in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Luciana Fernandes Pacheco Abstract ,,,Avulsions are very common in a school setting. Teachers are often requested to help in such emergency situations. A survey consisting of seven simple questions regarding dental avulsion was answered by 60 teachers from five different elementary schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to evaluate their knowledge on the subject and establish a guideline to be followed when an accident of this type happens. A lack of technical information was observed among the teachers; most of them answered intuitively rather than on an informative basis. This study showed the need of a more effective communication between dental professionals and school teachers in order to better handle dental emergencies. [source] Assessing the impact of late treatment effects in cervical cancer: an exploratory study of women's sexualityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 4 2007M. BURNS rn, m.phil, professional development nurse Cancer survivorship has become a major issue due to people living longer with the effects of cancer treatment. A key issue in this area are the ,iatrogenic effects' of cancer treatments and their adverse impact on the quality of long-term patient survival. This paper considers the late physical effects of treatment for cervical cancer, in particular psychosocial problems associated with sexuality. The aim of this paper was to explore women's sexuality following treatment for cervical cancer. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the lived experiences of a purposive sample of 13 women 2,3 years after treatment, using in-depth interviewing. The findings demonstrate that cancer treatment can result in a number of late physical effects, including bladder and bowel dysfunction. Moreover, the physical problems led to sexual difficulties experienced several years after treatment. Concerns were expressed by patients about perceived psychosexual difficulties encountered as a result of treatment. In conclusion, the study raises issues associated with the management of late treatment effects and its impact on sexuality. The findings underline the need for effective communication of possible iatrogenic effects of treatment during follow-up care and a need for research to consider the advice and information that women require about long-term treatment effects. [source] Mainstreaming the Duty of Clarity and Transparency as part of Good Administrative Practice in the EUEUROPEAN LAW JOURNAL, Issue 3 2004Miriam Aziz It is argued that an efficient language policy in the EU is one that reconciles respect for diversity with the need for effective communication. The use of specialist jargon in effect consolidates networks and power, of which there are two separate but related dimensions. The first is the external dimension of language, namely the lingua francaof deliberation, be it English, French, German, and so on. The second dimension refers to the use of élite codes, that is, language for ,insiders', which operates in spheres of politics, the law, economics, culture, medicine, and so on. It is the latter which the EU language rights régime has neglected. The absence of enabling provisions governing a duty of clear language renders democratic legitimacy intended by the former relatively meaningless. It is argued that the law can protect, facilitate, safeguard, and encourage clarity and transparency as part of good administrative practice. The duty to use language in a clear and comprehensible manner that has arisen in relation to producers in the EC law context of consumer rights is a useful case in point. [source] The Epigenesis of the Family System as a Context for Individual DevelopmentFAMILY PROCESS, Issue 3 2002Herta A. Guttman M.D. In this article, the concept introduced by Lyman Wynne, that the individual develops epigenetically within the family system, is discussed and validated with data from a study of the characteristics and relationships of 27 women with borderline personality disorder and their parents. Each stage of the epigenetic process is impaired in one way or another, adversely affecting subsequent stages. Early impairment of attachment-care-giving processes is at least partly attributable to a lack of empathic parenting; effective communication is marred by family members' inability to experience or express feelings (alexithymia); this, in turn, makes it difficult to engage in joint family problem solving. Mutuality between family members does not occur in such a context, and there is an absence of intimacy between family members. These are often abusive family systems, with multiple abuse and intrafamilial sexual abuse more specifically directed at the daughter with BPD. The symptoms of the daughter can be understood systemically, as representing both predispositional characteristics and reactions to the family system. It is suggested that the epigenetic paradigm could be used to characterize the specific failure of developmental processes in many different disorders. [source] Informed choice and public health screening for children: the case of blood spot screeningHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 2 2005Katrina M. Hargreaves BA BA (Hons) PhD Abstract Objective, To examine parents' and health professionals' views on informed choice in newborn blood spot screening, and assess information and communication needs. Design and participants, A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups with 47 parents of children who were either found to be affected or unaffected by the screened conditions, and 35 health professionals with differing roles in newborn blood spot screening programmes across the UK. Results and conclusions, Parents and health professionals recognize a tension between informed choice in newborn blood spot screening and public health screening for children. Some propose resolving this tension with more information and better communication, and some with rigorous dissent procedures. This paper argues that neither extensive parent information, nor a signed dissent model adequately address this tension. Instead, clear, brief and accurate parent information and effective communication between health professionals and parents, which take into account parents' information needs, are required, if informed choice and public health screening for children are to coexist successfully. [source] Improving communication between health and infant mental health professionals utilizing ongoing Collaborative Peer Supervision GroupsINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2004Michael Thomasgard This article discusses the use of Collaborative Peer Supervision Groups (CPSG) to promote ongoing professional development for those who work with infants, toddlers, and their families. Our model's strength and clinical utility result from its three major components: (a) a relationship-based perspective that acknowledges the important role that feelings and emotions play across the life span, (b) a peer supervision model that helps to ensure that no individual or discipline is "the expert," and (c) a collaborative case-based continuing-education experience. Salient features of forming and maintaining a CPSG group are discussed including access to a Web site containing many key start-up and evaluation materials. Existing barriers to effective communication between disciplines are discussed as are specific methods to structure case data. Additional tools to help anchor a CPSG are considered as are methods of evaluation. Two case presentations are considered to illustrate group process. Lessons learned from such groups are highlighted. Our intent is to provide sufficient background material so that others with a similar interest will be comfortable starting and maintaining a CPSG group on their own. ©2004 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health. [source] A concept analysis of palliative care in the United StatesJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2004Salimah H. Meghani RN MSN CRNP Purpose., The purpose of this analysis is to trace the evolution of the concept of palliative in the United States, explicate its meanings, and draw comparisons with other related concepts such as hospice care and terminal care. Methods., Rodgers' evolutionary method was used as an organizing framework for the concept analysis. Data were collected from a review of CINAHL, MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts databases using ,palliative care' and ,United States' as keywords. Articles written in the English language, with an abstract, published between 1965 and 2003 were considered. Data were synthesized to identify attributes, antecedents and consequences of palliative care. Findings., There has been a significant evolution in understanding of the palliative care concept in the United States over the last few decades, which has resulted in the emergence of new models of palliative care. Four attributes of the current palliative care concept were identified: (1) total, active and individualized patient care, (2) support for the family, (3) interdisciplinary teamwork and (4) effective communication. Results reinforce that cure and palliation are not mutually exclusive categories. Conclusions., The scope of palliative care has evolved to include a wide range of patient populations who may not be appropriately termed ,dying' but for whom alleviation of suffering and improvement of quality of life may be very relevant goals. The ultimate success of the new models of palliative care will eventually rest upon the commitment of health professionals to recognize and integrate the changing concept of palliative care into everyday practice. [source] Occupational health and school health: a natural alliance?JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2004Emma Croghan BSc RGN RSCN MPH Background., The United Kingdom National Health Service aims to provide a holistic ,cradle to grave' service. In order to achieve this, systems are in place for effective communication between providers of services for babies and children. However, when children leave school, communication between the school health services and workplace health services to protect and promote the health of the new workforce is rare. Working together is a commonly-stated rhetoric of contemporary nursing theory, but often this is not applied in practice. School health and occupational health have similar aims and objectives and, by working together, may be able to improve the health of large populations for a lifetime. Aim., This paper aims to examine the similarities in principles and practices between school health and occupational health nurses, and to identify areas of overlap in which collaboration could improve care for clients of both services. Discussion., The paper examines the nature of nursing in occupational and school settings, and similarities and differences in policy, law and principles. It also examines these two areas of practice within a public health framework, looking for areas of overlap. A basis is suggested for collaborative working between the two areas, and barriers, facilitators and benefits of this practice are examined. Conclusion., We conclude that there does exist a natural alliance between occupational and school health nursing, and that the two should work together to provide continuity of care for clients on leaving school, and to prepare children and young people for the workplace and any special health issues in their chosen careers. [source] Working to Make Interdisciplinarity Work: Investing in Communication and Interpersonal RelationshipsJOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2006Mariella Marzano Abstract In this paper, we apply qualitative methodologies to explore the practice of interdisciplinary research. The UK's Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU) Programme aims to advance understanding of the challenges faced by rural areas through funding interdisciplinary research to inform future policy and practice on management choices for the countryside and rural economies. Addressing the challenges faced by rural areas often requires a combination of different perspectives, involving research to address subjects that may lie beyond the skills of individual researchers. An interdisciplinary approach requires the integration of both data/information and the experiences and perspectives of different people (natural/social scientists, local people and policy-makers). We focus here on the processes involved in making interdisciplinarity work, documenting the experiences, perceptions, ideas and concerns of researchers working in interdisciplinary projects (specifically two EU-funded projects but also the first wave of RELU projects). A key finding from this research is that interdisciplinarity requires conscious effort, time and resources for the development of interpersonal relationships to enhance effective communication and thus successful collaboration. [source] A systematic review of the effectiveness of nurse communication with patients with complex communication needs with a focus on the use of augmentative and alternative communicationJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 16 2008CCC-SLP, Erinn H Finke MS Aims and objectives., To systematically review the research regarding communication between nurses and patients with complex communication needs (CCN). The research was reviewed with respect to the following themes: (a) the importance of communication; (b) the barriers to effective communication; (c) the supports needed for effective communication; and (d) recommendations for improving the effectiveness of communication between nurses and patients with CCN. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies that can be used by nurses to facilitate more effective communication with patients with CCN are discussed. Background., Effective nurse-patient communication is critical to efficient care provision. Difficulties in communication between nurses and patients arise when patients are unable to speak. This problem is further complicated because nurses typically receive little or no training in how to use AAC to communicate with patients with CCN. Design., Systematic review. Method., This paper reviewed the published research focusing on the perspectives of nurses, patients with CCN and their caregivers regarding the challenges to effective communication between nurses and patients with CCN. Further, specific strategies (i.e., using AAC) that nurses can use to improve and facilitate communication with patients with CCN are provided. Conclusions., Communication between nurses and patients is critical to providing and receiving quality care. Nurses and patients have reported concern and frustration when communication is not adequate. Using AAC strategies will help nurses and patients better communicate with each other when speech is not an option. Relevance to clinical practice., Communication with all patients is very important to the provision of quality nursing care. Communication cannot always be achieved using the speech modality. Nurses need to have tools and skills that will allow them to communicate with all of their patients whether or not they can speak. [source] The challenges for nurses communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities within the accident and emergency care serviceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9 2007Margaret Sowney MSc Aim., This paper reports the challenges experienced by nurses within accident and emergency departments in communicating with and gaining valid consent from adults with intellectual disabilities. Background., Consent is both a legal requirement and an ethical principle required to be obtained by health-care professionals, prior to the start of any examination, treatment and/or care. Central to the process of seeking consent is effective communication. However, evidence shows that people with intellectual disabilities are not viewed by professionals within acute general hospitals as a vital source of information, neither are they often communicated with directly, nor involved in discussions or decisions about their health care and are frequently not directly asked for their consent. Method., A purposive sample of nurses working within the accident and emergency departments of five general hospitals was recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Data were collected from five focus groups. Findings., Effective communication was identified as the most challenging aspect in caring for adults with intellectual disabilities within this environment, having an impact on the assessment of needs, informing patients of their health status and seeking valid consent. Conclusions., Fundamental to the provision of quality care are the concepts communication, choice and control. However, these issues are perceived to be more challenging in the provision of health care to people with intellectual disabilities. Communication and consent, therefore, require further consideration within the educational and clinical areas to strengthen nurses' competence in caring for people with intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis and understanding that choice and control are key principles for all people, being central aspects to the provision of an inclusive service for people with intellectual disabilities. Relevance to clinical practice., All nurses need to have a greater awareness of learning disability, how to increase opportunities for effective communication and be very familiar with the issue and guidelines relating to consent, to ensure that people with learning disabilities have choice, control and are more active in decision making regarding their health. [source] Negotiation of parental roles within family-centred care: a review of the researchJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 10 2006Jo Corlett MSc Aims and objectives., To review research published in the past 15 years about how children's nurses' negotiate with parents in relation to family-centred care. Background., Family-centred care is a basic tenet of children's nursing and requires a process of negotiation between health professionals and the family, which results in shared decision-making about what the child's care will be and who will provide this. The literature highlights inconsistencies in the degree to which nurses are willing to negotiate with parents and allow them to participate in decisions regarding care of their child. There is need to explore further the extent to which nurses communicate and negotiate shared care with children and their parents. Conclusions., Three themes emerged from this review of the literature relating to whether role negotiation occurred in practice, parental expectations of participation in their child's care and issues relating to power and control. Parents wanted to be involved in their child's care but found that nurses' lack of communication and limited negotiation meant that this did not always occur. Nurses appeared to have clear ideas about what nursing care parents could be involved with and did not routinely negotiate with parents in this context. Relevance to clinical practice., For family-centred care to be a reality nurses need to negotiate and communicate with children and their families effectively. Parents need to be able to negotiate with health staff what this participation will involve and to negotiate new roles for themselves in sharing care of their sick child. Parents should be involved in the decision-making process. However, research suggests that a lack of effective communication, professional expectations and issues of power and control often inhibit open and mutual negotiation between families and nurses. [source] The Mental Capacity Act 2005: implications for dietetic practiceJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2007C. Lyons Abstract The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 will be implemented in England and Wales in 2007 and have consequences for dietitians who work with people who may lack capacity to make specific decisions. This paper will explore issues arising from the introduction of the Act and considers the implications for dietitians involved in the delivery of clinical care, using enteral feeding as an illustrative example. If patients lack capacity to make specific decisions, dietitians will be required to record if, how and why they reached a decision, how they are involved in the decision making process and need to be able to justify their actions in relation to those decisions. This paper discusses the importance of dietitians' involvement in best interests decision making and considers the implications of decision making where people have drawn up a Lasting Power of Attorney. The role of such advance decisions is discussed and consideration is given to the potential compatibility of perspectives between the patient and family that may give rise to disputes. Dietitians may be well placed within multidisciplinary team working to ensure patients and their carers are part of the decision making process through effective communication and support for patients. Dietitians in England and Wales must consider the implications of the MCA upon their clinical practice and others outside these jurisdictions may like to reflect on the relevance of such developments in their own contexts. [source] Some Preparation Required: The Journey To Successful Studio CollaborationJOURNAL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, Issue 2 2006Jennifer D. Webb Ph.D. ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between team training perceptions and training effectiveness among students and faculty. The three objectives for this project were: 1) compare student and faculty perceptions concerning the provision of team training in design studios; 2) investigate the relationship between students' reported team training levels and students' reported team attitudes; and 3) investigate the relationship between students' reported team training levels and students' reported team behaviors. IDEC members and their interior design students were selected to participate in the study. Questionnaires were mailed to the faculty and the instruments were administered in a manner similar to course evaluations. Chi Square analysis suggests that instructors were more likely than students to indicate that they had provided training on effective communication, task division, conflict resolution, and characteristics of a good team. The findings suggest that teamwork training is positively related to positive perceptions and attitudes about teamwork, and to proactive behaviors in team settings. Most importantly, findings indicate that participation in multiple team projects is not related to improved attitudes or behaviors. This result emphasizes the role of preparation in successful studio collaboration. [source] Impact of clinical leadership development on the clinical leader, nursing team and care-giving process: a case studyJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 6 2008BERNADETTE DIERCKX de CASTERLÉ phd Aim, This study explored the dynamics related to a leadership development programme and their impact on the clinical leader, the nursing team and the care-giving process. Background, While there is a growing conviction about the need to invest in transformational leadership in nursing, further insight into the true complexity of leadership development and, more specifically, how leadership can make a difference in nursing and patient outcomes is essential. Method, A single instrumental case study was conducted in a unit of a large academic hospital where a Clinical Leadership development Project (CLP) was implemented successfully. We used mixed methods with multiple sources of data to capture the complexity of leadership development. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus groups and observation of participants. A purposive sample of 17 participants representing a wide variety of team members has permitted data saturation. The data were categorized and conceptualized and finally organized into a framework describing leadership development on the unit and its impact on the leader, the nursing team and the care-giving process. Results, Leadership development is an ongoing, interactive process between the clinical leader and the co-workers. The head nurse became more effective in areas of self-awareness, communication skills, performance and vision. The nursing team benefited because more effective leadership promoted effective communication, greater responsibility, empowerment and job clarity. Improved clinical leadership seemed also to influence patient-centred communication, continuity of care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions, The results of the study give more insight into the processes underlying the leader's progress towards attaining a transformational leadership style and its impact on the team members. The impact of leadership on the care-giving process, however, remains difficult to describe. Implications for nursing management, The interactive nature of leadership development makes CLP a challenge for the leader as well for the team members. Through its impact on the leader and the nursing team, CLP is a valuable instrument for improving work environments of nurses, contributing positively to patient-centred care. [source] HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT: LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS IN A TRANSCULTURAL CONTEXTJOURNAL OF RENAL CARE, Issue 4 2009Tai Mooi Ho SUMMARY Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. According to estimation, the prevalence of hypertension will increase unless extensive and effective preventive measures are implemented. The diversity of languages and cultures of the hypertensive patients requiring adequate blood pressure control make communications difficult in many instances. Nursing intervention for patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle requires effective communication. But the communication problems encountered in a culturally diverse context can result in undesirable outcomes for the patients and the health-care team. This paper describes the production of a document to assist staff address the difficulty in intercultural communication, which could be used anywhere in the world. This document can facilitate nursing intervention to achieve optimal hypertension management in a transcultural context, responding to the challenge regarding preventive measures to halt increase in hypertension prevalence. [source] Parental participation and mismanagement: A qualitative study of child care in IranNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 3 2009Fereshteh Aein mscn, phd(cand) Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore parents' and nurses' experiences of parental participation in child care in hospitals in Iran. Using thematic analysis, the data were collected through interviewing 14 parents and 11 nurses from two pediatric hospitals. The results showed that four major themes emerged, including the necessity of a parent's presence, the unplanned and informal delegation of care to the parents (which itself had five subthemes: the parents as nurses, the delegation of care without sufficient and planned parental training, informal parent-to-parent support, the continuum of parents' willingness to participate, and the neglect of parents' needs), the inconsistency of care, and the parents as informal evaluators of care. Based on the study's findings, effective communication by nurses with parents is required. Nurses need to make an ongoing assessment of parents' wishes for involvement and negotiate care accordingly, with enough support and supervision to warrant quality of care. [source] Perceptions of Effective and Ineffective Nurse,Physician Communication in HospitalsNURSING FORUM, Issue 3 2010F. Patrick Robinson PhD PROBLEM., Nurse,physician communication affects patient safety. Such communication has been well studied using a variety of survey and observational methods; however, missing from the literature is an investigation of what constitutes effective and ineffective interprofessional communication from the perspective of the professionals involved. The purpose of this study was to explore nurse and physician perceptions of effective and ineffective communication between the two professions. METHODS., Using focus group methodology, we asked nurses and physicians with at least 5 years' acute care hospital experience to reflect on effective and ineffective interprofessional communication and to provide examples. Three focus groups were held with 6 participants each (total sample 18). Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded into categories of effective and ineffective communication. FINDINGS., The following themes were found. For effective communication: clarity and precision of message that relies on verification, collaborative problem solving, calm and supportive demeanor under stress, maintenance of mutual respect, and authentic understanding of the unique role. For ineffective communication: making someone less than, dependence on electronic systems, and linguistic and cultural barriers. CONCLUSION., These themes may be useful in designing learning activities to promote effective interprofessional communication. [source] More than a grain of evidence but effective communication is keyNUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 2 2006Judith L. Buttriss Professor Science Director [source] Health benefits of dietary fiberNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 4 2009James W Anderson Dietary fiber intake provides many health benefits. However, average fiber intakes for US children and adults are less than half of the recommended levels. Individuals with high intakes of dietary fiber appear to be at significantly lower risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increasing fiber intake lowers blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. Increased intake of soluble fiber improves glycemia and insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic and diabetic individuals. Fiber supplementation in obese individuals significantly enhances weight loss. Increased fiber intake benefits a number of gastrointestinal disorders including the following: gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Prebiotic fibers appear to enhance immune function. Dietary fiber intake provides similar benefits for children as for adults. The recommended dietary fiber intakes for children and adults are 14 g/1000 kcal. More effective communication and consumer education is required to enhance fiber consumption from foods or supplements. [source] Practical strategies for working with indigenous people living in Queensland, AustraliaOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2002Elizabeth Watts Abstract Internationally, occupational therapists have recognized the need to provide culturally appropriate services for indigenous people. This study explored experiences, perspectives and practical strategies of occupational therapists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight occupational therapists who had at least 12 months' experience providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health, rehabilitation or education services. Key themes identified in the data focused on strategies for facilitating effective communication with individuals and families, and collaborating with other service providers. The role of Aboriginal Liaison Officers or Indigenous Health Workers was emphasized by participating therapists. Participants identified resources that they perceived as useful in their practice, such as cross-cultural training and access to indigenous health workers. Other resources suggested for further development included information about learning styles of indigenous people and information about cultural variations between specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The small number of participants limits generalizability of the findings. However, therapists can decide on the relevance of strategies to their own workplaces. Suggestions for further research focused on improving occupational therapy services for indigenous people in Australia. These include an investigation of therapy goals with indigenous people, and interviews with indigenous Australians and indigenous health workers about their experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||