Category: Communication

Definition and causes of Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a disarray of the genes that affects the development of human beings. The disorder has an adverse effect to the brain and communication of the affected person becomes a problem. People suffering from this disorder show a unique behavior when communicating. Rough movements, regular smiling and a jovial mood are some of the common characteristics exhibited by the patients suffering from this disorder. There are several causes of this disorder. First, it is caused by inheriting an interrupted chromosome 15 from the mother. This occurs through deletion of part of the chromosome 15 during DNA replication. The alteration takes place in the region of chromosome 15 where the chromosomes donated by both parents are inherited. Angelman syndrome develops when chromosome 15 from the mother is misplaced as a result of gene replication.

Secondly, AS can also be caused by gene mutation. The mutation occurs in the UBE3A gene. This gene is found on both parents chromosome 15. However, it differs in its arrangement of methylation. The UBE3A gene is expressed in the brain region of hippocampus and cerebellum. The maternal UBE3A is more active than the paternal gene during expression. Angelman syndrome occurs when the 4 mega base of the maternal UBE3A gene is deleted leading to failure of the gene expressing itself in the brain region.

Incidence estimate of Angelman syndrome among children in the US

There are no exact data that show the frequency and incidence estimates of AS among children in the US. However, available information shows that the disorder is more common in children in between the ages 6-13 years old. Different studies have shown that the incidence estimate range from 0- 4.8%. This translates to an estimate of about 1/20,000. Additionally, the incidence estimates among the newborns is not given although there are reported cases. The results of the incidence estimates do not reflect the exact value because they ignore the longevity of the disorder and number of undiagnosed patients. It follows therefore that a more accurate incidence estimate is the median of 1/20,000 and 1/10,000. The frequency estimate projections can be obtained from the incidence rates compared to the birth rates in the US.

Behavioral manifestations of Angelman syndrome

The behavioral manifestation of AS adaptive skills of the patients is reduced. Behavioral manifestations are caused by poor cognitive and communication skills of the affected people. Coordination of psychomotor skills is affected and the patients cannot perform their normal routine proper. The common daily routine affected by the manifestation includes excreting, eating and wearing clothes. This calls for constant supervision of the patients whether they are adults or children. However, in some cases the patients were able to carry out some routine after management training of the routines.

The danger of this group of AS patients is that they have a poor anticipation of danger, can become deadly and occasionally lose focus on their activity they are performing. On the other hand, the behavioral manifestation makes the patients to develop high socialization ability. The high socializing ability is linked to the jovial character of the patients in reaction to nonverbal interactions. Children are more social than adults. As such, they should be allowed to participate in social activities even when the cultural beliefs do not allow. Participation in social activities helps improve their adaptive skills. Therefore, cultural activities should not prevent the participation of AS patients in social activities within a community because it helps them develop their communication skills.

Impact of Angelman syndrome on childrens communication

The first impact of AS on childrens communication is the autistic features. The autistic features include: nonverbal communication, lack of speech and delays in giving a response. Children with AS will communicate using the body language. Most of the responses will be displayed from the facial expression or actions of the hands. This requires a careful study to understand what the child is communication. Some will take too long to respond to any communication because of the delay in the motor development.

The second impact on childs communication is the social interaction. The children become very friendly in their communication. In some cases, children will try to communicate, but are hampered by the verbal impairment, but they will wear a smile on their face. Occasionally, such children will use body language to express their communication although understanding their communication will be relatively difficult. In others, communication with strangers becomes normal and will communicate with a lot of fretfulness. However, the social interaction becomes a major problem because the children will have poor interpretation and response to public and emotional signals from other people. This may lead to a situation where the patient gives irrelevant response or becomes fatal.

Impact of Angelman syndrome on childrens behavior

The major impact of AS to childrens behavior is coordination. This disorder affects the nervous system that is responsible for coordination and communication for human beings. An affected nervous system results to retardation of body growth, brain development, communication problems and body balance. Complex defects in the nervous system may lead to seizures in children that manifest it to become epilepsy. Abnormal development of the brain makes children to develop a comparably small head size. Newborns affected with AS have retarded growth after six months. Children suffering from this disorder are likely to encounter the above situations although it may vary from one child to the other and the environment.

A typical AS condition patients has unique behaviors. The most common pointers of the disorder are: cheerfulness, being nervous, regular smiling, amusement and hand-flapping movements. Other signs include attention problems, hyperactivity and frequent associations with water. In severe cases, the affected children exhibit sleeping problems. The sleeping problems decrease with age, but the intellectual, seizures and communication problems persist.

Behavioral recommendation for SLPs working with someone with AS

The recommendation will be to introduce a speech and language therapy to the AS workers. The therapy should be administered using the best language the patient understands. This will vary from one person to another. The SLT has several advantages for AS patients. First, it enables an individual to learn how to produce sound. This strategy will help in improving communication with the other workers. As a result behavioral manifestations will be reduced. Secondly, I would recommend that, the first therapy should be aimed at improving function and medical disabilities. It is a strategy to address all the impact of the disorder. Understanding language therapies require a strong background of medical and functional abilities. Once this has been achieved both cognitive and coordination difficulties will be improved. Finally, I would recommend introduction of a progressive daily language functional development. This will give them to avoid forgetting the SLT therapy. The functional language development should be based on different communication tools. This is a strategy to ensure that the patient can communicate with everybody using the available communication tools.

References

Barry, R. (2005). Behavioral aspects of Angelman syndrome: a case control study. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 5(1), 132:812.

Bonati, M. (2007). Evaluation of autism traits in Angelman syndrome: a resource to unfold autism genes. Journal of Neurogenetics, 8(1), 16978.

Walz, N. (2006). Parent report of stereotyped behaviors, social interaction, and developmental disturbances in individuals with Angelman syndrome. Journal of Autism Development Disorders, 37(1), 9407.

Abstract

Cancer is a very dangerous disease with exceptionally high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and treatment of cancer are paramount to reducing mortality rates and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. Various electronic devices and the Internet could also be used to help monitor cancer symptoms and help the patients, and the doctors maintain contact with one another, in order to provide better treatment. In the course of this literature research, it was discovered that although electronic communication shows promise in empowering oncology patients, there is not enough clinical evidence to accurately measure its effectiveness.

Introduction

Cancer is one of the primary causes of death across the world, right next to heart diseases and heavy respiratory failures (Lennon et al., 2014). Cancer is typically treated with chemotherapy, which is dangerous to the body in the long-term and does not guarantee 100 percent effectiveness (Lennon et al., 2014). One of the complications that cancer brings is that at later stages of the disease, the effectiveness of any treatment drops considerably. According to the American Cancer Society (2017) [ACS], an estimated 1.7 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2017. The Centers for Disease Control state that the mortality rate of cancer is 591,686 people for the last year surveyed (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2017).

One out of every four deaths in the United States can be attributed to cancer (U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2017). Early detection and treatment of cancer are paramount to reducing the mortality rates and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. As it stands, the most frequently used channels of communication are the telephone and personal contact during visits to the hospital. However, as modern technologies are being actively implemented and incorporated in hospital practices, various electronic devices, and the Internet could also be used to help monitor cancer symptoms and help patients and doctors maintain contact with one another, in order to provide better treatment. Improving communication between patients and their health providers could provide improved outcomes and enhance the life of patients.

Question: Does the use of an electronic communication health portal compared with standard communication methods improve outcomes in oncology patients?

• P: Adult oncology patients
• I: Electronic health communication portal
• C: Standard communication
• O: Improve patient outcomes by reducing the daily symptoms of cardiovascular diseases

Literature Search Methods

PubMed and CINAHL databases were used to locate and retrieve data for this research. These databases possess a large number of peer-reviewed medical articles that were published in various accredited medical journals. In order to ensure the accuracy of the research, only the articles published in the last 6 years were accepted for review. The keywords used in the literature search are as follows: Electronic health communication, oncology, cancer, self-care support, e-mail communication, electronic self-report, early detection of cancer. All searches used several keywords in order to narrow down the potential search pool, as the topics represented by every individual keyword are too broad to effectively conduct any kind of literature research. The total number of studies retrieved and examined is 30, out of which ten were chosen to be included in the literature summary/discussion section, 5 were chosen to be used as supportive evidence, and 20 were rejected due to containing repetitive evidence, or due to the fact that the keywords were mentioned only briefly, while the actual research contained no valuable information on the selected subject.

Literature Review

This section is dedicated to the analysis of the literature retrieved from PubMed and CINAHL, which provides important information on electronic health communication in adult oncology patients. The provided literature is reviewed based on the topic of the research, type of research, methodology, research sample, strengths, and weaknesses of the research design, findings, and discussion.

Electronic Self-Report Assessment for Cancer and Self-Care Support: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Trial

This quantitative research was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014. Its purpose was to evaluate the effects of a web-based self-report assessment on symptom distress during oncological treatments. The research sample constituted 752 adult patients, which were separated into 2 groups  the test group and the control group (Berry et al., 2011). The control group was assigned symptom screenings at 4 points in time, whereas the test group utilized self-care training and electronic self-report assessments. The research found a significant decrease in symptom distress, particularly among patients aged 50 and older (Berry et al., 2011). The research design is strong because it uses multivariate analyses and has a large and diverse sample size.

Patient-Physician E-Mail Communication: The Kaiser Permanente Experience

This research was published in 2011, in the Journal of Oncology Practice. It studies the use of a private e-mail communication system between patients and doctors between 2004 and 2011, and its effect on measurable quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and a decrease in in-office visits. In 7 years since the implementation of the system, over 5.6 million messages were sent to 7.000 physicians that participated in the program (Baer, 2011). In logistical regression modeling, the use of the Kaiser Permanente e-mail system was an independent factor that enhanced patient satisfaction and quality outcomes. In addition, in the period between 2003 and 2007, there was a marked drop in-office visit, by 3.7 percent in the control group, and by 10.7 percent in the test group (Baer, 2011).

Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication with the Electronic Self-Report Assessment for Cancer: A Randomized Trial

This randomized trial was published in 2011 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study concerns itself with providing the means of electronic self-report systems in order to enhance patients ability for self-assessment. The research sample consisted of 660 individuals, who were separated into two groups of approximately 330 participants, to serve as the test group and the control group (Berry et al., 2014). The test group was provided with the means of electronic self-report assessments that were to be displayed to clinicians during hospital visits. The control group was given none. The results of this quantitative research were analyzed using a logistical regression model. The research found that the ESRA-C was useful for clinicians and enabled them to focus on the actual health issues of the patient. The weakness of this research is that the majority of the sample were white middle-class individuals with the knowledge and skill of using computer technology, which does not represent any variables coming from racial and social backgrounds (Berry et al., 2014).

Feasibility of Long-Term Patient Self-Reporting of Toxicities from Home via the Internet during Routine Chemotherapy

This article was published in 2013 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Its purpose is to provide long-term longitudinal data to establish the effectiveness of long-term patient self-reporting systems during chemotherapy sessions. The research involved 286 patients who were tasked to utilize electronic self-report systems for the duration of their chemotherapy (Judson et al., 2013). Weekly compliance rates were at 60 percent, while more than 75 percent of patients were reporting their toxicity levels at least once a month (Judson et al., 2013). Increased levels of compliance were detected during the initial 12 weeks. The research concludes that compliance with the self-reporting system diminishes as the time goes on, and suggests the development of strategies to encourage weekly compliance with self-reporting procedures on a weekly basis. Limitations of the study lie in the area of variety, as it was conducted in a single hospital, on the patients who were predominantly white, well-educated, and computer-literate.

Improving the Care of Children with Advanced Cancer by Using an Electronic Patient-Reported Feedback Intervention: Results from the PediQUEST Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014 and is aimed to research the effects of an electronic patient-reporting feedback system on symptom distress and health-related quality of life in children. 104 child patients took part in the research; the participants were divided into two groups. The test group implemented the computer-based Pediatric Quality of Life and Evaluation of Symptoms Technology (PediQUEST), whereas the control group followed the standard procedures and checkups (Wolfe et al., 2014). The research found that the use of the self-report system did not dramatically affect the symptoms of cancer or the patients quality of life. However, both patients and healthcare practitioners found the self-care reports to be valuable and informative for their practice, as well as to provide an improvement to the emotional spectrum of health-related quality of life (Wolfe et al., 2014).

Discussion and Implications for Practice

The findings of the research articles reviewed above provide several implications for medical practice. To summarize, implementing means of electronic self-assessment and communication with healthcare providers would achieve several goals:

• Improve symptoms in adult patients and patients over 50 years of age.
• Reduce the number of hospital visits, thus reducing the workload on physicians.
• Provide helpful information to patients and physicians during routine visits.
• Provide emotional support for parents and children.

However, these implications are made based on the assessment of the 5 articles reviewed in the literature section. A systematic review of controlled trials by Eysenbach (2012) states that the current number of randomized controlled trials is low and that making any general conclusions based on them alone is insufficient. Still, despite that statement, all the materials related to the use of electronic communication and self-assessment have stated that the practice would empower patients and allow them to participate and contribute to their own medical outcomes. Bennett, Jensen, and Bach (2012) have also found the practice useful and easily implemented in the current hospital system.

One particular trend observed during the data analysis was that many types of research were performed on white middle-class individuals, which could have contributed to the effectiveness of the interventions. According to Lustria, Smith, and Hinnant (2011), there is a lack of studies on the subject aimed specifically at the poor, underserved, and disadvantaged groups. One of the articles on electronic care plans in breast cancer survivorship, however, indicated that there are no significant differences in the use of the provided information between the residents of urban and city areas (Smith, Singh-Carlson, Downie, Payeur, & Wai, 2011). The reasons why the disadvantaged groups may be underrepresented in research could be connected to the fact that long-term cancer treatment is expensive. Therefore, the only eligible candidates to participate in research would be those who could afford it, which limits a potential sample pool and obscures results.

Conclusions

Despite the presence of certain gaps found in the currently available data pool, there is evidence to suggest that electronic communication, particularly in the form of self-care reports, has a positive effect on health-related quality of life and patient outcomes. The use of these systems, considering the computerization of all hospital services, would be relatively easy to integrate into standard oncology practice. Additional research is required in order to determine the effectiveness of the intervention among the poor and disadvantaged groups. In addition, there is a need for strategies to ensure patients long-term commitment to electronic communication. These measurements have the potential to improve oncology healthcare and warrant further study.

References

American Cancer Society. (2017). Cancer facts and figures 2017. Web.

Baer, D. (2011). Patient-physician e-mail communication: The Kaiser Permanente experience. Journal of Oncology Practice, 7(4), 230-233.

Bennett, A. V., Jensen, R. E., & Bach, E. (2012). Electronic patient-reported outcome systems in oncology clinical practice. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 62(5), 336-347.

Berry, D.L., Blumenstein, B. A., Halpenny, B., Wolpin, S., Fann, J. R., & Austin- Seymour, M. (2011). Enhancing patient-provider communication with the electronic self-report assessment for cancer: A randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 29(8), 1029-1035.

Berry, D. L., Hong, F., Halpenny, B., Partridge, A. H., Fann, J. R., & Wolpin, S. (2014). Electronic self-report assessment for cancer and self-care support: Results of a multicenter randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(3), 199-205.

Eysenbach, G. (2012). The impact of electronic patient portals on patient care: A systematic review of controlled trials. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 14(6), 162-167.

Judson, T. J., Bennett, A. V., Rogak, L. J., Sit, L., Barz, A., & Kris, M. G. (2013). Feasibility of long-term patient self-reporting of toxicities from home via the internet during routine chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(20), 2580-2585.

Lennon, M. A., Wolfgang, C. L., Canto, M. I., Klein, A. P., Herman, J. M., Goggins, M., & Hruban, R. H. (2014). The early detection of pancreatic cancer: What will it take to diagnose and treat curable pancreatic neoplasia? Cancer Research, 74(13), 3381-3389.

Lustria, M. L. A., Smith, S. A., & Hinnant, C. C. (2011). Exploring digital divides: An examination of eHealth technology use in health information seeking, communication and personal health information management in the USA. Health Informatics Journal, 17(3), 224-243.

Smith, S. L., Singh-Carlson, S., Downie, L., Payeur, N., & Wai, E. S. (2011). Survivors of breast cancer: Patient perspectives on survivorship care planning. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 5(4), 337-344.

U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. (2017). Leading cancer cases and deaths 2014. In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.

Wolfe, J., Orellana, L., Cook, E. F., Ullrich, C., Kang, T., & Geyer, J. R. (2014). Improving the care of children with advanced cancer by using an electronic patient-reported feedback intervention: Results from the PediQUEST randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 32(11), 1119-1126.

Introduction

Organizational structure is a framework of allocating tasks and authority and carrying out work procedures in an organization (Kim, 2005, p. 49). Organizational structure determines task allocation, hierarchical relationships, and patterns of interactions.

In other words, it is the system of relationships and rules embodied in an organization (Enayati & Ghasaben, 2012, p. 7174). On the other hand, an effective communication strategy is an important element that any business organization strives to achieve to not only satisfy their customers but also enhance their competitive edge in the market. Effective business communication is also a means of realizing organizational goals and minimizing challenges (Stroh, 2002, p. 55).

The setting of most organizations (particularly large organizations) normally makes it very difficult to achieve effective communication. Kim (2005, p. 50) attributes this to the organizational structure characteristics. As a result, this study will focus on the effect of organizational structural variables on effective communication. The channels of communication created by organizational structure have specific functions in the organization. Therefore, organization structures facilitate or deter an effective flow of communication (Enayati & Ghasaben, 2012, p. 7178).

There are two principal approaches normally used to define the relationship between organizational structure variables and effective communication. The two approaches are the container approach and the social constructionist approach (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey 2007, p. 11). The container approach posits that organizational structure and communication exist separately. The former influences information content and flow.

The information on this approach is transmitted from the channel to the end-user. On the other hand, the social constructionist approach assumes that the existing shape and form of the organization is as a result of communication. According to this approach, the responsibility and power of individuals in an organization are based on the amount of information s/he holds and controls. Communication, in this case, is used to create different variations of social structures, for instance, relationships among employees, teams, and social networks (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey 2007, p. 12).

Our organization has adopted a balancing creativity and constraint approach. In balancing creativity and constraint approach, individuals work within the constraints of the existing organizational structures while embracing change and innovativeness. Whereas the social constructionist approach emphasizes on the use of different languages (for example, teamwork language) to achieve organizational objectives, this approach focuses on achieving an equilibrium between communication that generates desired changes and at the same time responsive to the pre-existing constraints (Stroh, 2002, p. 55).

There are two broad methods of communication used in the organization: formal and informal. The traditional methods of communication have been based on the official route. The formal communication channels are those that are officially approved by the organization and the workers union. Staff appraisal interviews, quality circles, and habitual staff meetings are some of the formal channels used by the organization (Enayati & Ghasaben, 2012, p. 7179).

The formal approach uses all three communication structures namely downward, upward and lateral communication. The approaches used to take into consideration the formal communication channels that can be employed in dual information flow. Effective communication takes place when information moves up and down the hierarchy. As a result, the organization has developed a dual information path which not only inspires employees to spot and solve problems but also helps the organization to remain focused. (Eisenberg, Goodall & Trethewey 2007, p. 11).

Informal channels of communication that are not recognized by the organization and workers union also exist. Informal communication often takes place when workers chat, relay information, and confer personal issues with their trusted colleagues. Therefore, informal communication structures in the organization are mainly opportunistic and spontaneous communication. Informal channels of communication may be deterred or enhance formal communication. One of the merits of using informal channels in the organization is that it transcends hierarchical layers. However, caution must be taken, since formal communication may be altered when information is conveyed via informal channels (Enayati & Ghasaben, 2012, p. 7180).

The organizations communication can also be classified, as internal and external communication. Internal communication encompasses all the channels within the organization (Conrad & Poole, 2002, p. 5). On the other hand, external communication refers to communication between the organization and external stakeholders, including the clients. Examples of external communication include marketing, corporate advertisements, and public relations, among others (Conrad & Poole, 2002, p. 6).

Given that the organization is an inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation center there are internal and external relationships that must be considered. Regarding internal relationships, information complexity and weightiness must be considered. Other factors to be considered include task competition, compliance, and job hierarchy (Conrad & Poole, 2002, p. 6). Complex and weighty information often follows a top-down communication channel. On the other hand, external communication normally considers the targeted number and technicality of the information. The two elements are important, given the fact that external communication targets outsiders (Conrad & Poole, 2002, p. 7).

Ethical Issues

Health care and rehabilitation centers face serious challenges that may affect service delivery. Among these challenges are ethical issues that are increasingly occupying their time and resources (Kashman & Savage, 2003, p. 130). Some of the ethical issues that affect the rehabilitation center include inadequate staff, budget cuts, medical practitioner-patient conflicts, and allocation of limited resources, among others.

There are a few cases where medical practitioners have not used formal ethics to guide them in decision making. Most of the ethical issues facing the managers of the center are related to matters of responsibility, justice, lack of professional autonomy, dishonesty, and mistrust (Kashman & Savage, 2003, p. 131). Most of these ethical issues can be solved legally and financially. However, others can be solved politically or through public relations (Kashman & Savage, 2003, p. 132).

These ethical issues have a considerable impact on the organization, both internally and externally. The current budget cuts mean that the center will not be able to expand long-term care services as earlier proposed. Also, the organization will be unable to hire and train adequate staff needed to run the facility efficiently. Lack of accountability and adherence to work ethics by the employee will pose a major hurdle during the implementation and execution stage (Kashman & Savage, 2003, p. 133).

Conclusion

The setting of most large organizations normally makes it very difficult to achieve effective communication. It is attributed to organizational structure characteristics. There are two principal approaches (container approach and social constructionist approach) normally used to define the relationship between organizational structure variables and effective communication. However, our organization has adopted a balancing creativity and constraint approach, which considers the constraints within the organization while embracing change and innovativeness. Besides, there are two broad methods of communication used in the organization: formal and informal.

These methods are pegged at the complexity and the weightiness of information, task competition, compliance, job hierarchy, and targeted number. Lastly, some of the ethical issues that affect the rehabilitation center include inadequate staff, budget cuts, medical practitioner-patient conflicts, and the allocation of limited resources, among others. These issues heavily affect the proposed plan to expand the facility and hire/train more staff.

References

Conrad, C., & Poole, M. (2002). Strategic Organizational Communication in a Global Economy. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Eisenberg, E. M., Goodall, H. L., & Trethewey, A. (2007). Organizational communication: Balancing creativity and constraint. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins.

Enayati, G., & Ghasaben , M.S. (2012). Studying the effects of organizational culture, organizational structure, and information technology on effectiveness of knowledge management. African Journal of Business Management, 6 (24), 7170-7183.

Kashman, S., & Savage, T.A. (2003). Rehabilitation Healthcare Executives and Ethical Issues. Journal of Top Stroke Rehabilitation, 10 (2), 130-133.

Kim, H.S. (2005). Organizational structure and internal communication as antecedents of employee-organization relationships in the context of organizational justice: a multilevel analysis. Maryland: University of Maryland press.

Stroh, U. (2002). The impact of organizational change approaches to Communication management and relationships with employees: An experimental study. San Francisco, CA : Public Relations Society of America.

Effective communication is a vital aspect of healthcare. According to Namrata Palta (2006), effective communication in healthcare provides practical ways of enhancing communication between health professionals and patients. Swayne et al. (2012) argues that healthcare organisations are adapting to structures that provide the design of both the functional structure and lateral structure.

According to Swayne et al. (2012), organisations should implement a model that facilitates cross-unit communication, coordination, and collaboration. Communication between medical staffs and patients must be precise and effective in order to ensure the mutual benefits for all parties as well as for patients (Swayne et al., 2012). This paper examines the organisation models that best describes my healthcare organisation. This paper will also examine the workplace communication techniques used within the healthcare organisation.

Which organisational model best describes your organisation?

Our clinic is an extremely complex organisation that is composed of different Departments including CEO, Clinical Department, Marketing Department, Human Resource Department, Legal Department, Information system Department, and Finance and Accounting Department. The components within clinical Department include Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, paediatrics and Clinical Services. Therefore, the organization model that best describes our clinic is the matrix structure.

While creating this model, the main objective of the clinic was to hold the work task assigned to practitioners together. The model was also created to facilitate the implementation of strategies that are necessary for achieving the mission and goals of the clinic. According to Palta (2006), the matrix structure is one of the most effective models because it enables decentralisation of decision making in an organisation. Swayne et al. (2006) argues that the matrix model increases organisations ability to respond effectively.

Palta (2006) argues that matrix organisation structure encourages more interaction, information sharing, communication and collective problem solving in an organisation. The matrix structure involves viewing the entire organisation and what demand are being made of it from within and outside the organisation.

The most effective techniques for sharing information within this model include monthly meeting, campaigns, and telephones. The clinic often initiate monthly meeting to address issues concerning the organisations welfare. Monthly meetings among practitioners and collaborators provide wide representation for key decisions and facilitate communication of the organisations direction and strategy implementation.

Techniques such as campaigns and telephones have enabled effective sharing of information between staff members. Members of the staff are able to evaluate how information as constructed provides a set of satisfying task for the workers, whether it is balanced in demands and expectations, and what communication skills are required to ensure effective delivery of healthcare services to patients.

The ineffective techniques for sharing information in the clinic include the use of e-mails and social networks. These techniques are ineffective because they require a high level of literacy. Furthermore, one must have a computer; an internet enabled phone or a laptop to use these methods. Many coworkers in our organisation do not have these gadgets. Therefore, communication through a social network and emails does not provide efficient sharing of information in a healthcare organisation.

In the healthcare environment, all these communication techniques can be applied to promote both vertical and lateral communication. The ineffective techniques such as emails can also be modified to ensure effective communication among computer literate workers and patients.

How technology has affected effective communication in our healthcare organisation

Technology has a considerable impact on healthcare communication process. Information and communication technology has made it easier to keep and restore patient records. Technologies such as videoconferencing ensures regular meeting among practitioners and collaborators at a reduced cost. Information and Communication technology has also led to effective sharing of information and memorable conferencing in our organisation.

There is also improved decision making within the clinic, as workers are able to communicate easily and freely by use of channels such as computers. Besides, technology has enabled practitioners to receive abundant information in one Inbox. Practitioners do not incur travelling cost as they can receive all the required information through emails and fax. Information technology has also led to the emergence of virtual team within our healthcare organisation.

How does your organisation currently share knowledge or involve employees in formulating solutions to problems?

Currently, our clinic staffs share knowledge through channels such as video conferencing and staff meetings. These channels play a vital role in decision-making and problem solving in the clinic. Meeting between the collaborators and practitioners often ensure the implementation of sound policies that address the welfare of patients.

On the other hand, video conferencing often ensure that most appropriate strategies are implemented at a cheaper cost as staff members do not have to travel. Technology, therefore, has played a very pivotal role in enhancing effective communication in our institution.

Conclusion

Conclusively, effective communication affects the quality of patient healthcare (Arredondo, 2000). Therefore, it is essential for every healthcare organisation to implement the organisation structures that can help increase sharing of information and ideas. Healthcare organisations should also implement technologies that improve communication at a low cost.

References

Arredondo, L. (2000). Communicating Effectively. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Prof Med/Tech.

Palta, N. (2006). The Art of Effective Communication. Detroit: Lotus Press.

Swayne, L., Duncan, J., & Ginter, P. (2012). Strategic Management of Health organisations. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons.

Introduction

Communication is an important element for success in an organization. It enhances harmonious coexistence and productivity within the workplace. Through communication, organizations foster the efficiency and ability of employees to actualize core ideals and aspirations with regard to various operations. Proper communication supports the recurrent desire for success and realization of organizational goals, which define the overall essence of favorable relationships within and without organizational entities (Adair 12).

The creation of clear communication channels and interaction is vital for corporate leaders who wish to steer their entities to excellence. Good communication guarantees favorable interaction patterns between employees, thereby creating the impetus for hard work and success. Such interpersonal engagements are important because they support workers in their quest for motivation and realization of various ideas and aspirations within organizational entities (Adair 12).

It is important for leaders to consider various negative implications that emanate from poor communication and interaction tendencies. In fact, leaders should endeavor to offer guidance on such issues because they contribute to success and profitability within organizations. In the absence of requisite communication practices, organizational entities fail to realize their mandate due to inadequacies and discrepancies that manifest in daily undertakings.

Organizations can initiate and propagate favorable and supportive communication patterns in several ways. They should formulate and propagate structural frameworks that enhance the realization and sustenance of appropriate communication practices (Adair 14). This research undertaking shall discuss organizational communication and its relevance to the realization of success. It shall focus on dynamics that characterize communication between employees and employers. This area shall include positive and negative attributes that affect socialization with regard to organizational contexts. In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, this essay shall draw on previous work or voluntary experience within an organization.

Background Information

This essay shall embody my experience as a volunteer at King Abdul-Aziz Senior House in Saudi Arabia. This entity caters to the interests of senior citizens who often require care and support. Most of these individuals are sickly and frail, thereby necessitating appropriate steps and efforts to guarantee safety, health, and wellness. Initiation and sustenance of such efforts are important because it guarantees the ultimate realization of ideals that characterize the essence of senior housing in contemporary society. In senior housing contexts, communication acts as a pillar that facilitates the actualization and dissemination of crucial duties and responsibilities (Adair 15).

For instance, workers must learn to communicate amongst themselves because such efforts empower them with regard to the provision of various services. During my stay at the senior house, I gained immense experience in how communication influences operations within organizations. The role of communication was evident in all areas of operation within the nursing and healthcare facilitythe hierarchy of organizational command anchored on effective communication.

Through communication, authorities would disseminate vital information that had an influence on all individuals involved in operations and decision-making. The senior house had several employees who performed duties and responsibilities that guaranteed effective handling of matters. The role of teamwork was evident with regard to the actualization and realization of success in such organizational contexts (Adair 16).

In order to facilitate teamwork in organizational undertakings, there is a need for appropriate communication trends and practices. Communication enables the speedy relay of important messages and dispatches that impact the delivery of services. Communication also creates room for discourse and interaction among colleagues in the context of their work. For instance, my responsibilities included taking regular trips around the facility to ensure that all occupants were comfortable and at ease. This reality necessitated regular communication with occupants and colleagues at the housing facility.

Devoid of proper and coordinated communication, it would have been difficult for me to achieve various ideals and aspirations that characterize such undertakings. During my stint at the senior home, I gathered numerous lessons that demonstrated the overall importance of communication with regard to the realization of core objectives that govern human existence in society. Communication enabled me to interact with occupants regarding various issues that were relevant to their stay at the nursing and healthcare facility (Adair 22).

Role of Communication at the Workplace

Most people who work at King Abdul-Aziz Senior House perform duties that require regular interaction and involvement of colleagues. Most responsibilities necessitate collaborative efforts that bolster individual and collective competence, as well as the ability to satisfy recurrent needs within the care facility. In the absence of communication and regular interaction, it is usually difficult for such individuals to disseminate vital duties towards the realization of organizational goals and mandates (Adair 27).

For instance, I had regular interaction with supervisors, who were central to the proper delivery of services within the facility. Their roles included coordination and oversight of operations. They ensured and guaranteed efficiency and productivity. Through interaction and tutelage, I learned to appreciate the overall relevance of communication in the actualization of major organizational endeavors. For instance, all employees were required to draft situational reports that divulged vital happenings in specific areas of interest.

This form of communication-enabled supervisors to assess and derive evaluative data on pertinent aspects of service delivery within the facility. Supervisors ensured the smooth running of institutional faculties through the creation and sustenance of requisite communication channels. Their duty as facilitators of positive action materialized through communication efforts, which sought to create the impetus for individual and collective responsibility.

My relationship with co-workers was favorable and cordial because of various factors that defined our mission at the facility. We had a common understanding and approach to pertinent issues of importance with regard to core ideals and aspirations at the workplace. However, it is important to appreciate the role of communication in the creation and propagation of such unity of purpose (Adair 32).

Supervisors ensured regular updates and appraisals that guaranteed unanimity and collective conscience with regard to the realization of the institutional mandate. Supervisors were integral to the creation of institutional frameworks that sought to foster constant interaction and communication among employees at the facility. These efforts created resonance amongst employees as they struggled to exemplify their prowess in the delivery of individual and collective endeavors.

Employees at the nursing home held supervisors in high esteem because of their ability and willingness to consolidate forces towards organizational undertakings. Their desire for success and efficiency was inspirational to employees, who sought to ensure efficient delivery of services. Evidently, communication is an important component with regard to the realization of organizational ideals and aspirations (Adair 39).

On most occasions, employees spent long periods disseminating their duties and responsibilities. Most roles were dependent on ones ability to interact with occupants in order to decipher and sample issues that necessitated urgent action. Interaction with clients was important because it created avenues through which professionals understood recurrent issues and challenges with regard to the health and wellness of various occupants within the senior house.

My duties and responsibilities required constant interaction with occupants of the nursing facility. I had to assess and determine various aspects of their existence in order to guarantee comfort and serenity. I had to engage them in relevant discourse to ease suffering and other complexities that characterized their existence. It would have been difficult for me to achieve the above objectives in the absence of appropriate communication and interpersonal competencies. Good communication facilitated interaction by enhancing various engagements with regard to the delivery of crucial services within the senior house.

The ability to communicate creates the impetus for the realization of ideas and desires that characterize human service and delivery services. Good communication also plays a crucial role in fostering trust among employees (Adair, 43).

Trust is important because it supports and promotes coordination and cooperation in the workplace. In my opinion, King Abdul-Aziz Senior House is a supportive workplace because it offers a favorable environment for the delivery of human services. The institution has a well-structured leadership framework that enhances efficiency and dedication among employees. Leadership is very crucial to the realization of institutional mandate and responsibility towards service delivery and other germane aspects of social responsibility (Adair 47). I would consider working at this institution because it facilitates the actualization of my desire to serve humanity.

Conclusion

It is evident that communication plays a central role in facilitating the delivery of services within institutional entities. Communication experts argue that individuals have trouble whenever they fail to master conventional and appropriate patterns of interpersonal communication. In order to guarantee success in such undertakings, there is a need for efforts towards improving and consolidating favorable communication tendencies (Adair 52).

Organizational chiefs should strive to hone and facilitate communication within their jurisdiction. In fact, leaders should endeavor to offer guidance on such issues because they contribute to success and profitability within organizations. In the absence of requisite communication practices, organizational entities fail to realize their mandate due to inadequacies and discrepancies that manifest in daily undertakings (Adair 63).

Works Cited

Adair, J. Effective Communication: The Most Important Management Skill of All. Newyork: Pan Macmillan, 2011. Print.

Group Communication Process Narrative

General Rules of Conduct

• All group members should treat one another with respect, avoiding discrimination and conflicts;
• All group members should attend each meeting;
• In case of an emergency, the member should notify the rest of the group to try and reschedule the meeting;
• All group members should participate in the decision-making process;
• Group members are required to notify the rest of the team if they cannot write on the assigned topic so that the topics can be rearranged;
• Group members should actively participate in the discussions outside of meetings (via e-mail or texts);
• All group members should update their work on Google Docs regularly so that other members can see that they are on time with the work.

Decision-Making Process

We will attempt to take everyones opinions into account, but it might not be easy to make choices if one or two members disagree with the rest. Therefore, if there are no other options, we would use the majority rule to decide. Using collective decision-making, we have to decide on the frequency of meetings and ways of communicating. Preferably, we would need to work in Google Docs and communicate through e-mail, phone, and texts. If there are any other suggestions, we can discuss them in the first meeting. On the assigned days, we could meet before class; on November 9th, we could hold a final meeting to go over the presentation and make any changes.

Conflict Resolution

I think that there should be no problems with choosing the topics. As long as we all read the articles, we will be able to contribute to each area of the presentation and respectfully suggest if a group member is missing something important. However, if any conflicts arise, we will seek to initiate a group discussion to decide on the most favorable option.

Literature Review

Effective interdisciplinary teams can solve complex tasks, both in research and in practice. However, it is crucial to develop team attributes and practices to enhance its effectiveness and enable the team to be successful. According to Lakhani, Benzies, and Hayden (2012), to build an effective interdisciplinary research team, it is crucial to establish a definitive purpose and goal behind the teamwork. Moreover, it is vital to ensure excellent communication to enable shared decision-making and increased cohesion (Lakhani et al., 2012).

For instance, setting up group communication channels and using online collaboration tools could improve interdisciplinary team effectiveness. Nancarrow et al. (2013) describe ten principles of successful interdisciplinary teamwork in their article. Supportive team climate and clear role division were among the key attributes of effective teams (Nancarrow et al., 2013). To achieve this, leaders might choose to compose a document that defines each persons role and rules of conduct to avoid conflicts and disrespectful behavior. Finally, positive leadership activities can also enhance interdisciplinary teamwork (Benoliel & Somech, 2015). The group needs to select a leader who has experience in teamwork and sufficient knowledge to guide his or her external and internal activities.

Overall, interdisciplinary teams can be very efficient. However, building a successful team is difficult and requires time and knowledge. Establishing team attributes that proved useful in enhancing interdisciplinary teamwork can help build an effective interdisciplinary team.

References

Benoliel, P., & Somech, A. (2015). The role of leader boundary activities in enhancing interdisciplinary team effectiveness. Small Group Research, 46(1), 83-124.

Lakhani, J., Benzies, K., & Hayden, K. A. (2012). Attributes of interdisciplinary research teams: A comprehensive review of the literature. Clinical & Investigative Medicine, 35(5), 260-265.

Nancarrow, S. A., Booth, A., Ariss, S., Smith, T., Enderby, P., & Roots, A. (2013). Ten principles of good interdisciplinary team work. Human Resources for Health, 11(1), 19-29.

Effective communication occupies a special place in healthcare, especially in pediatrics, by helping clinical providers convey critical ideas at an understandable level and encourage patients in decision-making and personal care. In this regard, the first post aims at discussing the behavioral issues related to children and the use of communication strategies to promote problem resolution. First, the student provides the relevant statistics concerning the prevalence of childrens developmental disability and describes the practical tools in assessing the developmental dysfunction, that is, the Bayleys Scales and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3.

Besides, according to the post, the direct interaction between primary caregiver and child plays an essential role in identifying particular developmental abnormalities and their symptoms. In particular, these signs include expressive or receptive language delay, slow response to questions or appeals, gross or fine motor delay, or setback in social or emotional tasks. Finally, the student regards a specific problem that can hinder productive communication, namely, the childs reluctance to cooperate, and gives further recommendations concerning the childs examination.

However, the post lacks therapeutic communication techniques that provide client support and the necessary considerations when communicating with a child. Burke (2020) specifies that active listening, focusing, silence, clarification, exploring, using open-ended questions, reflecting, summarizing, and offering assistance form the basis for significant relationships between pediatricians and children. Moreover, Bell and Condren (2016) indicate the critical importance of high caregiver literacy which is the main contributor to the healthy development of a child with mental disabilities. They also examine some considerations for establishing sustained rapport, including using a normal tone of voice and vocabulary adjusted to a childs level, eye contact, and joint book reading or toy playing. To facilitate the cooperation process, the healthcare providers should also apply digital technologies such as PowerPoint presentations and communication through email.

Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage of an individual, which is primarily characterized by broadening social interaction and acquiring new notions about the self and surrounding environment. In this context, the second post first indicates the significance of distinguishing this period from others while conducting the assessment and treatment of particular behavioral issues. For example, the student states that when evaluating the mental state of an adolescent, healthcare providers should perform screening to determine the availability of intimate partner violence. Indeed, adolescents intimate relationships can substantially affect their mental health and define their behavior in society, especially in a family, according to Miller and McCaw (2019). The adverse experiences can result in an increased level of anxiety, lower self-esteem, and severe psychological trauma.

The post also describes some physical and psychological factors that contribute to impulsive and sensation-seeking behaviors, indicating that the absence of controlling such behavior impacts a persons quality of life adversely. In addition, the student appropriately notes that healthcare providers should primarily focus on minimizing the effect of maladaptive behavior and developing trust and a sense of independence in managing personal health. Concerning intimate relationships, the strategies should mainly be based on delivering high-quality sexual education, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and practical assistance in addressing particular intimate concerns. Nevertheless, the post should also concern other specific behavioral conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and conduct disorder with destructive behavior symptoms, and discuss the importance of communication approaches during their treatment.

For the last decades, mental disorders are becoming prevalent among the elderly, which is principally caused by the aging world population, especially those belonging to the baby boomer generation. The third post highlights the importance of drawing healthcare providers attention to this phenomenon, which should determine the development of relevant communication strategies. In particular, the models should consider that individuals of previous generations have a specific set of distinguishing customs, habits, and ideas that reflects their communication different from that younger people use. In addition, the student recommends that providers take into account the inevitable age-related pathophysiological changes experienced by patients, including chronic illnesses, during the interaction.

The post designates that dementia is the most spread and significant health condition that affects the elderly ability to perform daily life activities, particularly their ability to perceive, process, and reproduce information. In this regard, to deliver effective communication, clinicians and nurses avoid haste in assessments and display genuine interest. Indeed, Butcher (2018) affirms that while caring for individuals with dementia, healthcare providers should pay more attention to explaining the applied medical procedures and other usual actions to alleviate patients fears, worries, and frustration. For instance, the patients should be notified about blood sampling, toilet procedures, and dressing to ensure that they interpret these help appropriately.

The post indicates that repeating and rewording, and summarizing key points in the conversation are essential communicative methods when caring for the elderly. Additionally, maintaining eye contact and active listening help patients feel respect and express themselves. Finally, the student emphasizes the importance of building reliable and transparent relationships with a power of attorney (POA), which is also a correct idea. Close cooperation with POAs promotes determining patients needs and health concerns and forming relevant strategies that provide high-quality healthcare.

References

Bell, J., & Condren, M. (2016). Communication strategies for empowering and protecting children. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 21(2), 176-184.

Burke, A. (2020). Therapeutic Communication: NCLEX-RN. RegisteredNursing.org. Web.

Butcher, L. (2018). Caring for patients with dementia in the acute care setting. British Journal of Nursing, 27(7), 358-362.

Miller, E., & McCaw, B. (2019). Intimate partner violence. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(9), 850-857.

Communication skills are essential for effective interaction between nurses and patients. Proper communication and professionalism of nurses improve patients health outcomes (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Developing effective interaction with patients requires nurses to practice and perfect their verbal and non-verbal communication skills constantly. Non-verbal communication skills include body language, therapeutic touch, and tone of voice (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Verbal communication is the ability to listen to patients and reflect accordingly. In the week three role-play activity, we were able to practice therapeutic communication skills in patient interviewing. During week three, the following patient communication techniques were discussed: establishing a rapport with the patient, asking open-ended and closed questions, paraphrasing, summarizing and expressing empathy. Therapeutic communication techniques that I found to be the most successful were touch, probing, and paraphrasing. During the patient interview, these three communication techniques were effective because touch demonstrated non-verbally expressed empathy; probing ensured obtaining extensive and detailed patient history; paraphrasing showed that the nurse has actively listened to the patient.

Appropriate use of tactile communication or touch in patient interviewing helps to show emotional support to patients. According to Bussard & Lawrence (2019), therapeutic touch, spending enough time with the patient, and a calm tone of voice are practical communication skills in nursing practice and education. Certainly, touch should be used in patient interviewing only after obtaining verbal or non-verbal consent from the patient. As I noticed from the previous practice interview, shaking hands with the patient after introducing myself allowed me to establish a rapport with the patient. Furthermore, I could see that using touch encouraged the patient to continue discussing difficult topics. This communication technique also helped to express empathy and understanding of the patients difficult situation. Touch is a helpful non-verbal communication skill for establishing trust with patients; thus, poor use of non-verbal techniques results in ineffective communication with patients (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Therefore, non-verbal communication skills such as touch should be used to improve health outcomes through effective communication.

Probing questions are used in a medical interview to gain more information about the patients history. Probing includes open-ended and closed questions. Using probing questions helps obtain the patients history and assess the nurses knowledge and preparedness because open-ended questions elucidate if the nurse knows the interviews approximate structure and is competent enough in the subject (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Using open-ended questions helped me get the complete history of my present illness, past medical history, and social history during the practice interview. Furthermore, using open-ended questions allowed me to understand the patients perspective on the situation. Open-ended questions were essential to identify the chief complaint and discuss the patients social history, previous illnesses, medication use, and allergies. However, it was challenging to ask these questions correctly during the role-play interview; thus, my interview was not properly structured. Nevertheless, during the feedback session, the patient mentioned that my questions indicated that I was confident enough to conduct the interview. Probing questions, when used properly, become helpful verbal communication techniques for obtaining detailed patient history with confidence even at the early stages of a nursing career.

Paraphrasing is an essential communication technique in patient interviewing that shows patients that the healthcare provider listens attentively. Inattentive listening results in poor communication during the interview and causes poor patients health outcomes (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Listening to the patient is incompatible with such unprofessional behavior as cellphone use during the interview, aloof body posture, and chewing gum (Bussard & Lawrence, 2019). Active listening ensures that paraphrasing and summarizing will be correct. Paraphrasing should be used both during the interview and at the end to digest the information provided by the patient to check for accurate understanding. Furthermore, paraphrasing is helpful to ask clarifying questions during the interview. The Role-play interview showed that the patient became more open to providing more information after I used clarifying questions about the history of the present illness and summarized them before proceeding to the next part of the interview. Paraphrasing and summarizing during the interview help to guide both the patient and nurse. Overall, paraphrasing is an essential verbal communication technique that helps to clarify information and demonstrates that the patient is actively listened to by the nurse.

Overall, an effective patient interview is built through effective communication techniques. Every interview for obtaining patient history requires building a rapport with the patient, asking open-ended questions, expressing empathy, and behaving professionally. The communication skills that I found the most useful during the week three role-play patient interview were probing, touch, and paraphrasing. Probing with open-ended questions helped me obtain a complete patient history with confidence, although some parts of my interview were poorly organized. I found that touch was an effective way to demonstrate empathy to the patient. Finally, paraphrasing helped me keep track of the patients information to give a decent summary at the end of the interview. Finally, establishing an effective nurse-patient dialogue using communication skills and maintaining professional behavior is paramount in providing appropriate care and improving health outcomes.

Reference

Bussard, M. E., & Lawrence, N. (2019). Role modeling to teach communication and professionalism in prelicensure nursing students. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 14(3), 219223. Web.

There are many important steps and details in putting a communication campaign together. While some primary steps define the core elements, such as goals and audience, there are steps that contribute to the positive outcomes of campaign taking place further in the organization order. Therefore, one of the most important stages that significantly contributes to the success of the future campaign is selecting and determining the right communication channel.

Selecting the right communicating channel or a combination of channels is very important for the campaigns success because they present the main source for the campaign to reach its audience. In selecting the communication channels, the organizer must ensure that the channel fits the selected audience, or else the campaign will not be able to connect to its target audience. Alternatively, using a combination of channels with wide public will help address the issue, emphasize its importance, and build a sense of awareness in society about the issue.

For example, a campaign designed to raise awareness among young people about the importance of physical exercises and healthy eating habits and to address populations obesity problem should use channels frequently used by young people. As the description of young individuals with passive lifestyle and malnutrition suits someone who spends most of their time in web space, the suitable communication channels should predominantly use the online format. Moreover, as the young generation distrusts most sources outside the internet, the channels could include YouTube advertisements, social media articles, and tests. Alternatively, to increase the awareness about the issue without necessarily trying to target the selected audience, the campaign could use visual presentations, such as infographics in places frequently visited by young people: schools and colleges.

Anti-Smoking Communication Campaign

Defining the target audience for an anti-smoking campaign is complicated by the different layers of adherence to the issue of the general audience of young adults. While some young adults engage in smoking, others can experience the negative outcomes of regular exposure to smoke or need to be educated on the harm smoking has on health to prevent smoking tendencies. As the campaign should target all young adults depending on their adherence to smoking, it needs to introduce groups and sub-groups of the target audience.

Therefore, in this example, the target audience is all young adults of the local community with separate groups of young adults who smoke regularly and ones who are frequently exposed to smoke. The groups will also include young adults who have smoking tendencies that need to be educated about adverse outcomes of smoking in order to prevent the development of smoking habits. The other young adults who do not experience smoking tendencies also will constitute a group of the target audience that needs to become aware of the damage that smoking causes to the overall populations health. Moreover, as there is a common tendency where men use tobacco products at higher rates than women, the audience could also be separated into men and women segments.

Thus, to reach different audience groups, the campaign should segment the audience by the level of adherence to the smoking habit and gender. Even though there is little possibility for a campaign to reach all levels simultaneously, defining the target audience will help to estimate requirements for the outcome measures. It also could be used to establish a thorough approach to the development of campaign products, such as visual representation of health communication.

Formative Research in Communication Campaign

Conducting formative research is one of the essential steps of organizing a campaign that contributes to the process of selecting and using communication theory. Formative research is commonly performed both before and during the campaign to provide relevant information. Even though the depth of formative research depends on several factors, such as the campaigns area of activity and goals, formative research is an essential part of every campaign organization. Overall, formative research allows the development of the campaigns planning process and strategy. In addition, formative research provides valuable data on the situation or issue that the campaign is willing to influence or change.

The formative research could be based on qualitative or quantitative methods and include multiple steps depending on the campaigns purpose. The essential steps of formative research include identifying the needs and defining research objectives. The formative research on the campaign audience could feature group interviews or in-depth interviews with participants representing the target groups. Through the process of creating the interview questions fitted to the researchs needs and objectives, conducting interviews, and collecting and analyzing the received information, the formative research provides vital information about the target audience.

Conducting the formative research prior to the campaign allows a thorough understanding of the target audiences behavior. As communication campaigns are primarily geared towards influencing the population, collecting information about the target audiences behavior is vital for strategic aspects of the campaign, such as determining the communication channels. The formative research provides necessary information about the target audiences behavior before the campaign and during the campaign. Therefore, in communication campaigns, formative research significantly contributes to the campaigns strategy by determining the campaigns communication channels.

Global Health Issues

One of the most common global health issues occurring in the world today is the situation with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs include such diseases as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and strokes that cannot be communicated to other people. According to information provided by World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), NCDs are the most common cause of death, with 41 million people globally dying from NCDs. Statistically, deaths from NDCs amount to more than 70% of deaths every year (WHO, 2021). The issue is closely related to another global health issue of economic disparities and limited access to health care in low-income countries.

There are several recommended strategies and promotion techniques targeted towards the improvement of those issues. As unhealthy habits of increased use of alcohol, smoking, passive lifestyle, and insufficient diets all contribute to the risk of NCDs occurrence, the population is strongly recommended to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Current health communication strategies are predominantly focused on addressing the issue of unhealthy habits and educating the population on the adverse outcomes of such behavior.

In addition to recommendations for maintaining healthy habits, promotion techniques are also geared towards making the public understand the importance of regular screenings for the early detection of NCDs. Even though most deaths from NCDs are located in low-income countries, all people are subjected to the risk of being affected by NCDs. Moreover, even though NCDs are usually associated with people from older age groups, people of all ages, including adults and children, are affected by the risk of developing NCDs through unhealthy diet or similar reasons. Therefore, health-related promotional techniques related to the global health issue of NCDs are focused on preventing the population from harmful activities, developing the populations healthy habits, and educating the population on the importance of screenings.

Reference

World Health Organization. (2021). Noncommunicable diseases.

Patient communication is essential to medical care, and healthcare workers not only adopted various skills of interacting with people coming to hospitals but also started to adopt the technology. Indeed, electronic communication became the primary method of contacting patients to inform them about the results of diagnostic procedures and for general follow-up (Gandy-Bohr, 2021). Examples of digital interaction tools include emails, text messages, appointment reminders, telemedicine, and patient portals (Gandy-Bohr, 2021). These methods are used in many hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic is no exception. Virtual visits and video chats became the main methods of doctor-patient and nurse-patient interaction at Cleveland Clinic, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, it demands protecting patient data privacy from malware attacks.

Before the coronavirus crisis began, people in the Cleveland area preferred to schedule hospital visits rather than online communication with their primary physicians or other specialists. In fact, before the pandemic, only 2% of patient visits were virtual, but when the lockdown measures were administered, 75% of consultations occurred through video calls (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). The telehealth tools physicians and nurses utilize in Cleveland Clinic are online platforms, electronic health records, and various virtual communication apps (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Undoubtedly, in-person interaction is essential in healthcare since clinicians must perform a physical examination, especially during the primary visit. However, in some cases, if the situation is chronic or follow-up treatment outcomes are needed, calls are convenient both for physicians and patients. Moreover, skin rashes or even some endocrine disorders, a video call can be as productive as a hospital visit. An individual may require to undergo laboratory tests, radiologic examination, or biopsy later; still, one will receive initial guidance about future management. The latter may not always have the time and resources to travel to the hospital at a specific time; hence, virtual interaction seemed to resolve this problem.

Patient privacy should be the priority for any healthcare institution, not only by ethical standards but also according to HIPAA regulations. Specifically, Cleveland Clinic uses security measures to protect digital information from loss, theft, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction (Cleveland Clinic, 2019, para. 21). Furthermore, the administration warns patients that if they choose to use the clinics services, they give their consent to collect some personal information (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). The latter includes full name, payment methods, address, phone number, email, and medical history (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). This data may be disclosed to third parties in cases of technical problems requiring IT department professional intervention. Additionally, information may be revealed for legal purposes, business transfers, and obtaining specific services (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). At the same time, clients have the full right to request the withdrawal of their personal data from the system at any time by emailing the administration.

In summary, digital communication between healthcare providers and clients had become the primary method of doctor-patient relationships today, especially when the pandemic forced people to limit in-person contact. For example, in Cleveland Clinic, many virtual consultations telemedicine and apps for video calls. This healthcare organization collects some personal information from patients and notifies them that this data may be revealed to third parties in some situations. At the same time, Cleveland Clinic takes measures to protect this data from malware programs as demanded by HIPAA, and individuals can request to remove it from the system at any time.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2019). Privacy & security. Web.

Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Communication with patients in a new world of virtual visits.Web.

Gandy-Bohr, M. (2021). 5 types of electronic communication in healthcare. Demand Force. Web.