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Communication Tool (communication + tool)
Selected AbstractsAdapting and personalizing the communication in a synchronous communication toolJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 3 2008A. Gogoulou Abstract In this paper, we present a synchronous text-based communication tool, referred to as Adaptive Communication Tool (ACT), which provides capabilities for adaptation and personalization. ACT supports both the free and the structured form of dialogue. The structured dialogue is implemented by two types of Scaffolding Sentence Templates (SST); i.e. sentence openers or communicative acts. The capability of adaptation is considered in the sense of making suggestions for the supported form of dialogue and SST type and providing the most meaningful and complete set of SST with respect to the learning outcomes addressed by the collaborative learning activity and the model of collaboration followed by the group members. Also, ACT enables learners to have control on the adaptation by selecting the form of dialogue and the SST type they prefer to use and enriching the provided SST set with their own ones in order to cover their communication needs. The results from the formative evaluation of the tool showed that (i) the proposed dialogue form, SST type and the provided set of SST cover students' communication needs, (ii) the capability of personalizing the communication by selecting the desired communication means as well as by enriching the provided SST set satisfied students, and (iii) students used adequately both types of SST resulting into on-task and coherent dialogues. [source] 9 A Communication Tool for Emergency Medicine Residents to Improve Patient Care and Professional DevelopmentACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2008Jacqueline Mahal For every patient in the ED, a web of communication is created. A resident is at the center of this web , connecting team members in and outside the ED. Careful communication, a required ACGME competency, helps the team provide safe, high-quality care and master their respective specialties. We designed a three module curriculum that supports ACGME core competencies by providing training in professional communication and a framework with which to organize patient data. In the first module, residents are introduced to the concept that there is more to communication than content alone. Other elements include context, audience and forum. Together, these components comprise relevant communication. The second module introduces the Disposition, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Safety (D-SBARS) Framework, an ED modification of The Joint Commission's communication tool. This framework will enable the resident to focus on communicating the relevant data for a particular audience in an appropriate manner. In the last module, residents participate in a case-based role-play. After presentation of a complicated patient, residents are each assigned a communication task. They communicate with attendings, ED staff and consultants. Each role is played by senior residents. Finally, participants deliver presentations to the on-coming team on "rounds" under time constraints, declining from two minutes to 30 seconds. Residents experience how the D-SBARS tool helps them communicate critical clinical and safety. [source] A systematic review on communicating with patients about evidenceJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006Lyndal J Trevena MBBS (Hons) MPhilPH Abstract Objective, To conduct a systematic search for (1) the effectiveness of evidence-based communication tools to increase patient understanding of evidence, (2) effective formats for representing probabilistic information and (3) effective strategies for eliciting patient preferences about evidence. A case scenario is used to illustrate some of the difficulties of putting these results into practice., ,Data sources, Systematic search of The Cochrane Library, Medline, Psychinfo, Embase and Cancerlit. Review methods, Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and high quality RCTs were included. Studies were excluded if they did not address the question, were focused on behavioural outcomes without attempting to increase understanding, were concerned with counselling as a therapeutic intervention, or were specific to communication regarding clinical trial participation., ,Results, We found 10 systematic reviews of RCTs and 30 additional RCTs addressing our questions. Communication tools in most formats (verbal, written, video, provider-delivered, computer-based) will increase patients' understanding but are more likely to do so if structured, tailored and/or interactive. Probabilistic information is best represented as event rates (natural frequencies) in relevant groups of people, rather than words, probabilities or summarized as effect measures such as relative risk reduction. Illustrations such as cartoons, or graphs (vertical bar charts) appear to aid understanding. Values clarification exercises may be better than standard utility techniques for eliciting preferences in individual decision making. Looking for effective evidence-based communication tools for prostatic specific antigen testing highlighted the challenges for clinicians and consumers in accessing tools that are evidence-based in design as well as content. Conclusion, There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the design of effective evidence-based communication tools but variable access to such tools in practice. [source] New ocular movement detector system as a communication tool in ventilator-assisted Werdnig-Hoffmann diseaseDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2000Masaya Kubota MD; A non-contact communication system was developed for a ventilator-assisted patient with Werdnig-Hoffmann disease who had lost all voluntary movements except for those of the eye. The system detects the extraocular movements and converts them to either a,yes'signal (produced by one lateral eyeball movement) or a,no'signal (produced by two successive lateral eyeball movements) using a video camera placed outside the patient's visual field. The patient is thus able to concentrate on performing a task without any intrusion from the detection system. Once the setting conditions of the device have been selected, there is no need for any resetting, as the patient is unable to move his body. In addition to playing television games, the child can use the device to select television channels, compose music, and learn written Japanese and Chinese characters. This seems to broaden the patient's daily world and promote mental development. [source] Adapting and personalizing the communication in a synchronous communication toolJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 3 2008A. Gogoulou Abstract In this paper, we present a synchronous text-based communication tool, referred to as Adaptive Communication Tool (ACT), which provides capabilities for adaptation and personalization. ACT supports both the free and the structured form of dialogue. The structured dialogue is implemented by two types of Scaffolding Sentence Templates (SST); i.e. sentence openers or communicative acts. The capability of adaptation is considered in the sense of making suggestions for the supported form of dialogue and SST type and providing the most meaningful and complete set of SST with respect to the learning outcomes addressed by the collaborative learning activity and the model of collaboration followed by the group members. Also, ACT enables learners to have control on the adaptation by selecting the form of dialogue and the SST type they prefer to use and enriching the provided SST set with their own ones in order to cover their communication needs. The results from the formative evaluation of the tool showed that (i) the proposed dialogue form, SST type and the provided set of SST cover students' communication needs, (ii) the capability of personalizing the communication by selecting the desired communication means as well as by enriching the provided SST set satisfied students, and (iii) students used adequately both types of SST resulting into on-task and coherent dialogues. [source] An ongoing process of inner negotiation , a Grounded Theory study of self-management among people living with chronic illnessJOURNAL OF NURSING AND HEALTHCARE OF CHRONIC ILLNE SS: AN INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Åsa Audulv RN Aim., The aim of this study was to better understand the main concern of self-management processes among people with chronic illness. Background., One aspect of living with chronic illness is self-management that can reduce the illness impact on daily life and promote future health. Although factors that influence self-management have been identified in previous research, little attention has been brought to the process of making self-management decisions. In clinical settings, use of a theory could facilitate patient-empowering approaches. Method., The data collection for this Grounded Theory was mostly conducted in 2006. Data were collected by interviews with 26 adults with a variety of chronic illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, ischaemic heart disease and chronic kidney failure. Results., Individuals are conflicted by competing preferences when taking decisions about self-management. Consequently, the decision-making process can be understood as an ongoing inner negotiation between different incompatible perspectives, e.g. social needs vs. medical needs. The process of negotiating self-management starts with the individual's considering beliefs about health and illness, which make the individual face illness threats and the need for self-management. Several aspects influence negotiating self-management namely, assessing effects of self-management; evaluating own capacity; perceiving normality or stigmatisation; and experiencing support and external resources. The process has been demonstrated in a model. Conclusions., The process of negotiating self-management is an ongoing inner debate rather than a one-time decision. This opens up new ways of understanding, and communicating with, patients. The described model also links behavioural theories and research findings in a comprehensive understanding. Relevance to clinical practice., This model could be applicable as a communication tool for health-care providers in identifying barriers to, and resources in, self-management behaviour among individuals with chronic illness. [source] Critical Evaluation of How the Rosgen Classification and Associated "Natural Channel Design" Methods Fail to Integrate and Quantify Fluvial Processes and Channel Response,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 5 2007A. Simon Abstract:, Over the past 10 years the Rosgen classification system and its associated methods of "natural channel design" have become synonymous to some with the term "stream restoration" and the science of fluvial geomorphology. Since the mid 1990s, this classification approach has become widely adopted by governmental agencies, particularly those funding restoration projects. The purposes of this article are to present a critical review, highlight inconsistencies and identify technical problems of Rosgen's "natural channel design" approach to stream restoration. This paper's primary thesis is that alluvial streams are open systems that adjust to altered inputs of energy and materials, and that a form-based system largely ignores this critical component. Problems with the use of the classification are encountered with identifying bankfull dimensions, particularly in incising channels and with the mixing of bed and bank sediment into a single population. Its use for engineering design and restoration may be flawed by ignoring some processes governed by force and resistance, and the imbalance between sediment supply and transporting power in unstable systems. An example of how C5 channels composed of different bank sediments adjust differently and to different equilibrium morphologies in response to an identical disturbance is shown. This contradicts the fundamental underpinning of "natural channel design" and the "reference-reach approach." The Rosgen classification is probably best applied as a communication tool to describe channel form but, in combination with "natural channel design" techniques, are not diagnostic of how to mitigate channel instability or predict equilibrium morphologies. For this, physically based, mechanistic approaches that rely on quantifying the driving and resisting forces that control active processes and ultimate channel morphology are better suited as the physics of erosion, transport, and deposition are the same regardless of the hydro-physiographic province or stream type because of the uniformity of physical laws. [source] THE SHORT-TERM BEHAVIORAL REACTIONS OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS TO INTERACTIONS WITH BOATS IN DOUBTFUL SOUND, NEW ZEALANDMARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006David Lusseau Abstract Doubtful Sound is home to one of the southernmost resident populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). This population regularly interacts with scenic cruises. During these interactions, dolphins tend to horizontally and vertically avoid vessels, especially when the behavior of these vessels is intrusive. This study aimed at understanding the behavioral reactions of individuals to these interactions that lead to the disruption of the school's behavioral state. Observing the behavioral events performed by individuals during an interaction can help define the short-term reactions elicited by the boat presence. I recorded the behavioral events performed by all individuals of focal schools. The frequency of occurrence of all events was compared depending on the presence of vessels, their behavior, and the behavioral state of the focal school. Dolphins tended to perform more side flops while interacting with powerboats, a behavior which may be used as a non-vocal communication tool. Moreover, the movement of dolphins became more erratic during interactions with all types of vessels. These effects increased when the boats were more intrusive while interacting. This study shows that the impact of interaction with boats can be minimized if the vessels respect the guidelines in place. [source] ,Being appropriately unusual': a challenge for nurses in health-promoting conversations with familiesNURSING INQUIRY, Issue 2 2008Eva Gunilla Benzein This study describes the theoretical assumptions and the application for health-promoting conversations, as a communication tool for nurses when talking to patients and their families. The conversations can be used on a promotional, preventive and healing level when working with family-focused nursing. They are based on a multiverse, salutogenetic, relational and reflecting approach, and acknowledge each person's experience as equally valid, and focus on families' resources, and the relationship between the family and its environment. By posing reflective questions, reflection is made possible for both the family and the nurses. Family members are invited to tell their story, and they can listen to and learn from each other. Nurses are challenged to build a co-creating partnership with families in order to acknowledge them as experts on how to lead their lives and to use their own expert knowledge in order to facilitate new meanings to surface. In this way, family health can be enhanced. [source] Healthy Heart Store Tours , a useful communication tool?NUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 2 2003Michele J. Sadler First page of article [source] A classification system of mandibular prognathismORAL SURGERY, Issue 3 2008H.J. Cho Abstract Aim:, To provide a classification system of mandibular prognathism (MP) as a guide for proper diagnosis and treatment planning of the various forms of skeletal discrepancies seen in mandibular prognathism and to a communication tool among orthodontists and surgeons. Materials and Methods:, Six different types of MP were presented. Recommended surgical procedures for each MP categories were presented. Twenty-three consecutive MP patients were evaluated by a panel of three orthodontists. The panel categorized each patient according to Cho's MP classification system. The recommended surgery by the MP classification system and actual surgery performed for each were compared. Result:, The recommended surgical procedure(s) respective to the MP category of each individual corresponded to the actual surgery performed with exception of a few individuals. Conclusion:, This MP classification system proved to be a good diagnostic tool and led to an appropriate orthodontic and surgical treatment plan. [source] Empowering project scope decisions: introducing R&D content graphsR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2001Dennis Nobelius There have been several studies confirming the strategic and operational importance of choosing a proper project scope. There is a lack of empirically tested managerial tools to assist in this matter, and studies with longitudinally analysed R&D projects with respect to content are scarce. This article discusses the management of advanced engineering in the automotive industry. The study presents a structured approach where individual project leaders together with top management could prepare project material, discuss, visualize, and evaluate the content around a common tool. This tool, i.e. the R&D content graphs, facilitates project content selection, both during the start-up and during the execution phase of the project. The studied project has been studied for nearly two years using an abductive case-based research design. Since the project has been longitudinally studied, it has also been possible to test the graphs' predicting capabilities. The graphs are based on a visualization of the project content along five identified dimensions. The results reveal that the tools bring structure to project scope discussions, have some predictive value, and can also function as a vertical as well as a horizontal communication tool. [source] The Effect of Regulation Fair Disclosure on Conference Calls: The Case of Earnings Surprises,ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL STUDIES, Issue 6 2009Bok Baik Abstract While conference calls have been widely used as a communication tool between firms and investors, little research has examined the effect of this voluntary disclosure metric on analyst forecasts. In this paper, we examine whether firms use conference calls to guide down analysts' earnings forecasts, thereby avoiding negative earnings surprises before and after Regulation FD. Our findings show that firms hosting conference calls are more likely to guide analysts' forecasts downward and, as a result, they tend to successfully avoid negative earnings surprises in the pre Reg FD period. However, we do not find such relations in the post Reg FD period. We also find that the market reacts positively to firms hosting conference calls only in the post Reg FD period, consistent with the view that the market rewards a reduction in managers' opportunistic guidance to meet the analysts' earnings estimate. [source] Provisional restoration options in implant dentistrAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007RE Santosa Abstract Unlike their use in conventional crown and bridge, provisional restorations during implant therapy have been underutilized. Provisional restorations should be used to evaluate aesthetic, phonetic and occlusal function prior to delivery of the final implant restorations, while preserving and/or enhancing the condition of the peri-implant and gingival tissues. Provisional restorations are useful as a communication tool between members of the treatment team which, in most cases, consists of the restorative clinician, implant surgeons, laboratory technicians, and the patient. This article describes and discusses the various options for provisionalization in implant dentistry. Clinicians should be aware of the different types of provisional restorations and the indications for their use when planning implant retained restorations. [source] On-line and on message?BRITISH JOURNAL OF POLITICS & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Issue 2 2003Candidate websites in the 2001 General Election The 2001 General Election generated considerable interest and also much criticism of politicians' use of the Internet. Via content analysis, search engines and database material, this article examines candidates' and local constituency parties' on-line activity in three areas: first, the extent of Internet use by candidates and local parties,who and how many candidates had live websites for the election?; second, the pattern of on-line activity at the local level,where were parties/candidates on-line?; and third, what were candidates doing on-line,did candidates experiment with interactivity, or use the new media as another top-down communication tool? The survey indicates that use of the Internet was patchy and websites often acted as little more than static on-line leaflets. Moreover, the overall impact of the Internet on electoral outcomes was minimal and use of the technology by itself is unlikely to herald the coming of e-democracy. However, we also argue that some of the criticism levelled at parties is misplaced and that there are good reasons why parties have so far behaved cautiously. [source] Scene Graph and Frame Update Algorithms for Smooth and Scalable 3D Visualization of Simulated Construction OperationsCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2002Vineet R. Kamat One of the prime reasons inhibiting the widespread use of discrete-event simulation in construction planning is the absence of appropriate visual communication tools. Visualizing modeled operations in 3D is arguably the best form of communicating the logic and the inner working of simulation models and can be of immense help in establishing the credibility of analyses. New software development technologies emerge at incredible rates that allow engineers and scientists to create novel, domain-specific applications. The authors capitalized on a computer graphics technology based on the concept of the scene graph to design and implement a general-purpose 3D visualization system that is simulation and CAD-software independent. This system, the Dynamic Construction Visualizer, enables realistic visualization of modeled construction operations and the resulting products and can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of simulation tools. This paper describes the scene graph architecture and the frame updating algorithms used in designing the Dynamic Construction Visualizer. [source] Communication via responsibility reporting and its effect on firm value in FinlandCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2010Hannu Schadewitz Abstract n this paper, we first analyzed the responsibility reporting literature with an emphasis on the linkage between responsibility reporting and a firm's performance and valuation. Based on the literature review, we developed a research question: How does communication via responsibility reporting affect firm value? We analyzed the market valuation of listed Finnish firms through a conventional valuation model combined with responsibility reporting. The starting point for our valuation was the Ohlson model. We expanded upon the conventional valuation by studying whether communication via responsibility reporting is related to firm valuation. Our research question is linked to the broader academic question of whether earnings worth as an information source has been erased over the last few years. In addition, we contribute to the literature that tries to understand the link between corporate social responsibility and firm performance/share performance. Specifically, we focused on responsibility reporting according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and especially on whether the existence of these reports provides a further explanation for firm value. Our sample was a population type that covered all listed Finnish firms that have adopted GRI. No other responsibility reporting practice was used by listed firms in their responsibility reporting communication during the years 2002,2005. The other necessary information for valuation models was obtained from Thomson Financial Services (commercial database). The applied model supported the conclusion that communication via GRI responsibility reporting is an important explanatory factor for a firm's market value. The result indicates that responsibility reporting is a part of a firm's communication tools in order to decrease information asymmetry between managers and investors. In other words, GRI responsibility reporting is called for in order to produce a more precise market valuation of a firm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Pathways to discovery in epilepsy research: Rethinking the quest for curesEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2008Daniel H. Lowenstein Summary This paper, based on the 4th Annual Hoyer Lecture presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Epilepsy Society, first provides a general view of the current limitations in therapies aimed at achieving the goal of "no seizures, no side effects" for patients living with epilepsy. Some of the seminal discoveries in epilepsy research over the past 100 years are then reviewed, with an emphasis on the pivotal role of basic and clinical/translational science in leading the way to new and effective means for diagnosing and treating for epilepsy. The paper concludes with a view of the future course of epilepsy research. Scientific advances will increasingly rely on the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams of reseachers using the analytic and storage capabilities of machines, and linked together by communication tools such as the Internet and related technologies. [source] Continued usage of e-learning communication tools: a study from the learners' perspective in Hong KongINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 3 2008Humphry Hung In line with the mainstream research on e-learning, we propose a model of the continued usage of e-learning communication tools by learners. We observe in particular that there are two less studied but potentially very important factors, learning self-efficacy and compatibility of values and beliefs with learning tools, which may contribute significantly to the continued usage of e-learning communication tools. We carried out a study of 682 e-learners and the results support our propositions. [source] Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations of Nursing Home Residents: Frequency, Causes, and CostsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2010[See editorial comments by Drs. OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and reasons for potentially avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN: Medical records were reviewed as a component of a project designed to develop and pilot test clinical practice tools for reducing potentially avoidable hospitalization. SETTING: NHs in Georgia. PARTICIPANTS: In 10 NHs with high and 10 with low hospitalization rates, 10 hospitalizations were randomly selected, including long- and short-stay residents. MEASUREMENTS: Ratings using a structured review by expert NH clinicians. RESULTS: Of the 200 hospitalizations, 134 (67.0%) were rated as potentially avoidable. Panel members cited lack of on-site availability of primary care clinicians, inability to obtain timely laboratory tests and intravenous fluids, problems with quality of care in assessing acute changes, and uncertain benefits of hospitalization as causes of these potentially avoidable hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: In this sample of NH residents, experienced long-term care clinicians commonly rated hospitalizations as potentially avoidable. Support for NH infrastructure, clinical practice and communication tools for health professionals, increased attention to reducing the frequency of medically futile care, and financial and other incentives for NHs and their affiliated hospitals are needed to improve care, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and avoid unnecessary healthcare expenditures in this population. [source] A systematic review on communicating with patients about evidenceJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006Lyndal J Trevena MBBS (Hons) MPhilPH Abstract Objective, To conduct a systematic search for (1) the effectiveness of evidence-based communication tools to increase patient understanding of evidence, (2) effective formats for representing probabilistic information and (3) effective strategies for eliciting patient preferences about evidence. A case scenario is used to illustrate some of the difficulties of putting these results into practice., ,Data sources, Systematic search of The Cochrane Library, Medline, Psychinfo, Embase and Cancerlit. Review methods, Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and high quality RCTs were included. Studies were excluded if they did not address the question, were focused on behavioural outcomes without attempting to increase understanding, were concerned with counselling as a therapeutic intervention, or were specific to communication regarding clinical trial participation., ,Results, We found 10 systematic reviews of RCTs and 30 additional RCTs addressing our questions. Communication tools in most formats (verbal, written, video, provider-delivered, computer-based) will increase patients' understanding but are more likely to do so if structured, tailored and/or interactive. Probabilistic information is best represented as event rates (natural frequencies) in relevant groups of people, rather than words, probabilities or summarized as effect measures such as relative risk reduction. Illustrations such as cartoons, or graphs (vertical bar charts) appear to aid understanding. Values clarification exercises may be better than standard utility techniques for eliciting preferences in individual decision making. Looking for effective evidence-based communication tools for prostatic specific antigen testing highlighted the challenges for clinicians and consumers in accessing tools that are evidence-based in design as well as content. Conclusion, There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the design of effective evidence-based communication tools but variable access to such tools in practice. [source] Routine and adaptive expert strategies for resolving ICT mediated communication problems in the team settingMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 7 2009Lara Varpio Context, The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for supporting interprofessional communication is becoming increasingly common in health care. However, little research has explored how ICTs affect interprofessional communication, or how novices are trained to be effective interprofessional ICT users. This study explores the interprofessional communication strategies of nurses and doctors (trainees and experts) when their communications were mediated by a specific ICT: an electronic patient record (EPR). Methods, A total of 72 doctors and nurses participated in this 8-month study on a paediatric in-patient ward. Eighty hours of non-participant observations and 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted. All data were rendered anonymous prior to analysis. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, one researcher read and analysed all data recursively. As emergent themes were identified, exemplary portions of the data were discussed with three additional researchers to resolve discrepancies and confirm the coding structure. Expertise literatures informed the final analyses. Results, Three interprofessional communication strategies were identified: (i) all participants routinely formulated ,workarounds' to circumvent problematic EPR-mediated communications; (ii) workarounds were classifiable as instances of Abandoning, Forcing or Submitting to the EPR, and (iii) novices learned workaround strategies through an informal curriculum, but they did not learn to manage the interprofessional effects of these workarounds. Conclusions, Trainees relied on workarounds as simplified routines, demonstrating routine expertise. Staff members, demonstrating adaptive expertise, used workarounds as part of a broader network of people and communication tools. Explicit training regarding this network and the ways in which workarounds conceal this network may help trainees develop adaptive expertise. [source] Managing uncertain, complex product development in high-tech firms: in search of controlled flexibilityR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2010Daniel Olausson This paper investigates ways of managing complexity and uncertainty in R&D simultaneously. Previous research on the subject indicates that these dimensions require different approaches, but these studies tend to provide suggestions either on managing complexity in stable industries or on handling uncertainty in less complex projects. In this paper, the two dimensions are studied simultaneously in three commercial product development projects at a firm that may be viewed as an extreme case of complexity and with multiple dimensions of uncertainty. The paper illustrates that a critical issue in this kind of high-tech development is the search for and development of approaches that integrate and balance needs for formal organizational control with high levels of project flexibility. Four key elements of such integrated approaches are identified: hybrid formal systems, structured interaction in public arenas, transparent visual communication tools, and a system of participative reflection. [source] Physician-pharmacist collaborative care for dyslipidemia patients: Knowledge and skills of community pharmacistsTHE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 4 2009Julie Villeneuve MSc Pharmacist, Study Coordinator Abstract Introduction: In a physician-pharmacist collaborative-care (PPCC) intervention, community pharmacists were responsible for initiating lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy and adjusting the medication dosage. They attended a 1-day interactive workshop supported by a treatment protocol and clinical and communication tools. Afterwards, changes in pharmacists' knowledge, their skills, and their satisfaction with the workshop were evaluated. Methods: In a descriptive study nested in a clinical trial, pharmacists assigned to the PPCC intervention (n = 58) completed a knowledge questionnaire before and after the workshop. Their theoretical skills were evaluated with the use of a vignette approach (n = 58) after the workshop and their practical skills were assessed by direct observation with study patients (n = 28). Results: The mean (SD) overall knowledge score was 45.8% (12.1%) before the workshop; it increased significantly to 89.3% (8.3%) afterwards (mean difference: 43.5%; 95% CI: 40.3%,46.7%). All the pharmacists had an overall theoretical-skill score of at least 80%, the minimum required to apply the PPCC in the trial. From 92.9% to 100% of the pharmacists' interventions with study patients complied with the treatment protocol. Discussion: In primary care, a short continuing-education program based on a specific treatment protocol and clinical tools is necessary and probably sufficient to prepare pharmacists to provide advanced pharmaceutical care. [source] Development of atopic dermatitis-specific communication tools: Interview form and question and answer brochureTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Sachiko OGAWA ABSTRACT At first consultation, it is sometimes difficult for patients to decide which questions they want to ask most. We investigated whether an improvement in interview forms would identify the questions that patients want to ask doctors and help patients express their needs. First, we developed a two-part interview form specifically for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. The first part was related to diagnosis. In the second part, we determined the most frequently asked questions by patients in daily AD clinics and included these in a prompt interview form, which we called "Questions You May Want to Ask". We compared this new interview form with the standard interview one used in our hospital. Then we made a brochure with answers to those questions. Finally, we evaluated the usefulness of these communication tools. The usefulness of the AD-specific interview form and the answer brochure was validated by patients and/or their surrogates. The majority of them recognized the necessity for and usefulness of these tools to communicate appropriately with their doctors. The answer brochure significantly increased their understanding of AD. The AD-specific interview form and the answer brochure are useful communication tools to improve doctor,patient relationships. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||