Cross-disciplinary Communication Research Articles

The impact of cross disciplinary communication methods on the support needs, quality of life, and emotions of patients with advanced lung cancer

Background: The condition of advanced lung cancer patients is already quite severe. At this stage, the tumor has basically spread to other areas or caused multiple recurrent lesions, which not only increases the difficulty of treatment but also leads to a significant decrease in disease control rate. Aim: To analyze the impact of cross disciplinary communication methods on patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods: A comparative study involving 152 advanced lung cancer patients from January 2022 to January 2024 was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into an observation group (73 cases, using interdisciplinary communication) and a control group (79 cases, using routine nursing). An interdisciplinary team, including nurses, physicians, head nurses, and psychology experts, developed communication plans. The study compared emotional states (DASS-21), supportive care needs (SCNS-SF34), disease uncertainty (MUIS), quality of life (FACT-L), and compliance between the two groups. The study's limitation is the relatively single sample selection, potentially affecting result generalizability. Result: After intervention, the DASS-21 score, SCNS-SF34 score, and MUIS score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while the FACT-L score was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); the good compliance rate of the observation group was 97.26% (71/73), which was higher than that of the control group (86.08% (68/79) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For patients with advanced lung cancer, adopting cross disciplinary communication for intervention can not only effectively alleviate their negative emotions and reduce their sense of disease uncertainty, but also maximize the satisfaction of their supportive care needs, ensure their quality of life, and to some extent, obtain good cooperation from patients.

English Lexicography: The Glossarization Stage

This study explores the glossarization phase within English lexicography, emphasizing its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and its significance in modern linguistics. Glossarization, as a crucial process, enhances clarity and accessibility in English materials across scientific, technical, and cultural domains, particularly in a globalized context where English functions as a lingua franca. The research examines historical and contemporary lexicographic practices, analyzing landmark contributions such as Samuel Johnson’s and Noah Webster’s dictionaries, while also addressing modern challenges like balancing theoretical principles with practical needs. Proposing innovative methods, the study highlights the importance of glossarization in fostering cross-disciplinary communication, multilingual understanding, and linguistic diversity. The findings underscore glossarization’s critical role in advancing lexicographic practices to meet the evolving demands of global communication and language education.

Research on the application effect of inter-professional training program for newly enrolled medical staff in operating room based on digital information technology

BackgroundThe operating room environment demands high levels of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration, yet current training programs often lack sufficient opportunities to develop these essential skills. Few studies have explored the impact of Interprofessional Education (IPE) based on digital information technology in improving the collaboration and learning among newly enrolled medical staff in the operating room.ObjectivesThis study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a digital information technology-based IPE training program for newly enrolled medical staff in the operating room. The evaluation focused on the effects of the program on the participants’ expertise, operational knowledge, team communication skills, and application of these skills in clinical practice.MethodsSixty-eight newly enrolled medical staff from surgical departments in a tertiary hospital in Shanxi province were included in this study from January 2021 to December 2022. The participants engaged in an IPE training curriculum that utilized digital information technology, featuring courses and case studies specifically tailored to the operating room environment. Post-training assessments included evaluation of test scores of expertise course, evaluation of surgical simulation operations (operational knowledge and communication), and the International Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS). The effectiveness of the training was assessed by evaluating improvements in communication skills, application of practical knowledge, and teamwork in surgical contexts.ResultsExpertise course evaluation and reflection revealed that the new enrolled medical staff in the operating room had a deep understanding of the knowledge. At the same time, they are better able to understand and master the nursing mode in the process of different professional surgery, and said that they would like to cooperate with surgeon and anesthesiologist during the surgical operation. The score of the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) increased significantly (P < 0.05), indicating that the communication and collaboration skills of the new enrolled medical staff in operating room were further improved, and that they were more familiar with the patient-centered teamwork mode.ConclusionsThis study provides a valuable reference for the design and implementation of IPE programs based on digital information technology in the operating room. It highlights the importance of such programs in enhancing the understanding and cross-disciplinary communication skills for newly enrolled medical staff, ultimately improving patient care through better teamwork.

Differences in perceived sources of uncertainty in natural hazards science advice: lessons for cross-disciplinary communication

IntroductionWe conducted mental model interviews in Aotearoa NZ to understand perspectives of uncertainty associated with natural hazards science. Such science contains many layers of interacting uncertainties, and varied understandings about what these are and where they come from creates communication challenges, impacting the trust in, and use of, science. To improve effective communication, it is thus crucial to understand the many diverse perspectives of scientific uncertainty.MethodsParticipants included hazard scientists (n = 11, e.g., geophysical, social, and other sciences), professionals with some scientific training (n = 10, e.g., planners, policy analysts, emergency managers), and lay public participants with no advanced training in science (n = 10, e.g., journalism, history, administration, art, or other domains). We present a comparative analysis of the mental model maps produced by participants, considering individuals’ levels of training and expertise in, and experience of, science.ResultsA qualitative comparison identified increasing map organization with science literacy, suggesting greater science training in, experience with, or expertise in, science results in a more organized and structured mental model of uncertainty. There were also language differences, with lay public participants focused more on perceptions of control and safety, while scientists focused on formal models of risk and likelihood.DiscussionThese findings are presented to enhance hazard, risk, and science communication. It is important to also identify ways to understand the tacit knowledge individuals already hold which may influence their interpretation of a message. The interview methodology we present here could also be adapted to understand different perspectives in participatory and co-development research.

‘What is the self anyway?’ towards a more parsimonious conceptualisation of the self: A review

The ‘self’ is of interest across multiple psychological, cognitive, and social sciences. Unhelpfully, a plethora of terms are used across different theoretical and empirical areas. This leads to inconsistency, confusion and lack of clarity and impedes cross-disciplinary communication and progress. To improve clarity, increase parsimony and support theoretical and empirical advances, it is important to establish clear terms that can be applied consistently across psychology. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive initial inventory of synthesised self-terms that can be used by, and across psychology. We review self-terms used across different areas in psychology and identify a set of terms that are most frequently and consistently used across these domains. We then present a synthesis of commonly used ‘self-terms’ that are specifically related to six psychological sub-disciplines; Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Neuroscience, Clinical and Personality psychology. A glossary of self-terms, together with frequently used synonymous self-terms are presented.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW NIH DATA SHARING REQUIREMENTS: WHY THEY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RESEARCH

Abstract In 2021, NIH began a long period of planning, drafting, and requesting public comment to create a new data-sharing policy, beginning with a Request For Information (RFI). The new policy, beginning January 25, 2023, will apply broadly to all scientific data produced with NIH funding. NACDA and (ICPSR), drawing upon our expertise and understanding of best practices for data sharing, have been working actively to develop tools and resources to assist NIH grant recipients in complying with federal data-sharing expectations with minimal disruptions to their research. This presentation will provide a detailed overview of the new data-sharing requirements and how to incorporate them into the required data-sharing plan. We will offer examples of successful data-sharing plans, identifying an appropriate repository, budgeting for the data preparation process, and creating informed consent documents consistent with the spirit of the NIH Data Sharing requirements. In addition to explaining the new data-sharing policy, the presentation will discuss the rationale behind the requirements and how they contribute to data equity using the FAIR principles. By increasing access to federally funded data, we contribute to a multidisciplinary approach that enhances cross-disciplinary communication and a broad understanding of different ways of knowing when working collaboratively with other researchers. Team Science has facilitated substantive discourse between qualitative and quantitative specialists. Multidisciplinary research increasingly represents a critical aspect of overall knowledge creation. Finally, the presentation will illustrate how data-sharing increases the impact of studies and enhances the credentials of researchers who engage in data-sharing.

INNV-23. HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE FACTORS THAT SHAPE THE GLIOMA PATIENT EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE CANCER CONTINUUM: THE VALUE OF CARE COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION

Abstract BACKGROUND Cognitive or communication deficits from glioma may pose challenges in patients’ ability to manage their illness and navigate the healthcare system. Disease-specific barriers must be overcome to achieve patient-centered care and shared-decision making. This study identified health and healthcare factors that enhance or complicate the patient experience throughout the glioma-cancer continuum. METHODS Semi-structured interviews (N=8) or focus groups (N=6) were conducted in-person or via phone call with 23 glioma patients at any point during their cancer care. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes illustrating the healthcare factors that shape the glioma patient experience. RESULTS Three themes that facilitate the healthcare experience and six themes that complicate the healthcare experience were identified. Facilitating themes included (1) free exchange of information with healthcare providers (HCP), (2) HCP expectation setting and efforts to support patient agency, and (3) HCP relationship building efforts. Complicating themes included (1) early attempts to address initial symptoms in healthcare settings, (2) patient perception of initial symptoms, (3) long wait times and time-intensive appointment schedules, (4) accessing and navigating procedures for appointments and multiple locations, (5) timing and delivery of information during treatment, and (6) mixed messages about prognosis and treatment recommendations. DISCUSSION Health and healthcare factors that influence the glioma patient experience are concentrated around patients’ relationships and communication with HCP and the logistics of cancer care delivery. Logistical barriers to care delivery negatively affect the patient experience and highlight the need for interventions that aim to streamline care delivery, help patients manage care, fulfill healthcare information needs, and enhance team-based cross-disciplinary communication.

Embedding Digital Data Storytelling in Introductory Data Science Course

With the emergence of data science as an inherently multidisciplinary subject, there is increasing demand for graduates with well-rounded competence in computing, analytics, and communication skills. However, in conventional education systems, computing &amp; quantitative, and communication skills are often taught in different disciplines. Data storytelling is constructing and presenting data stories to highlight the analytical insights to achieve the communication goals to a specific audience. Digital data storytelling leverages digital storytelling techniques and best practices in communication to deliver stories that can be shared in digital formats to a wide audience. In this paper, we describe and reflect on a semester-long project-based learning pilot using Digital Storytelling as a framework to allow students to explore topics themed around human flourishing and sustainability with the end goal of constructing data stories delivered in digital or video format (i.e., Digital Data Storytelling). The pilot work was conducted in an introductory data science course at a 4-year Minority Serving Institution in collaboration with students studying non-STEM disciplines at a partner community college. Our pilot demonstrates the potential benefit of this sustainability-aware Project-Based Learning design in raising students’ awareness of sustainability issues, increasing confidence in cross-disciplinary communication competency, and at the same time deepening their understanding of data science concepts. We further reflect on the significant role of an effective program model as well as challenges and opportunities for building transdisciplinary communication competency to prepare for a diverse data science workforce.

Developing English Learning Materials for Accounting Students: Language Challenges and Accounting Education

This study explores the relationship between language challenges and accounting education in the S1 AccountingProgram at Universitas Muhammadiyah Metro. Using a meticulous mixed-methods approach involving language assessments, surveys, and focus group discussions, the research examines students' perceptions of language barriers. The findings emphasize the role of tailored English learning materials in addressing these challenges, enhancing language proficiency, and boosting students' confidence in comprehending complex accounting content.Collaboration between language instructors and accounting experts is highlighted as a key factor in achieving effective integration. The study also underscores the broader relevance of this approach, aligning with the evolving demands of the global business landscape and improving students' employability. The study offers practical recommendations for institutions, students, educators, and researchers to address language challenges holistically and foster specialized discipline proficiency. By implementing these suggestions, stakeholders can bridge the language-discipline gap and cultivate graduates skilled not only in their chosen field but also in effective cross-disciplinary communication. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on integrating language and specialized education, presenting practical avenues for implementation.

Integrating modern, alternative and complementary medicine: A holistic approach to better patient care and cost-effectiveness

This comprehensive review examines the potential benefits of combining modern conventional medicine with alternative and complementary medicine approaches for the treatment of various medical conditions. As healthcare costs continue to escalate globally, there is a pressing need for solutions that not only improve health outcomes but also offer cost-effectiveness. The current model of care often leads to overuse of pharmaceutical interventions, raising concerns about adverse effects. This article has done a scoping review to map and critically analyse the existing literature on this topic, with a focus on patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and implementation strategies. The review provides robust evidence, through critical analysis of 312 key studies, indicating significant potential in a combined approach, with specific examples drawn from conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, disc prolapse, COPD, fibromyalgia, IBS, Parkinson's disease, dementia, psychosis, anxiety, and depression. It illustrates that integrating alternative and complementary medicine with conventional methods can yield substantial cost savings, reduced side effects, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced health outcomes . The article also subsequently proposes a step-wise approach to this integration, advocating for improved cross-disciplinary communication, education, and regulatory oversight to overcome existing barriers . It contributes to the body of evidence supporting a shift from the compartmentalized view of healthcare towards a more patient-centred, holistic model. The evidence presented is compelling and timely, given the growing public interest in alternative and complementary therapies, making this a significant addition to the literature on integrated healthcare.

111 Regional Expansion of a TL1 Program to Serve the 5 State Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho Region

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The ITHS TL1 program is designed to grow trainees’ competence and knowledge in translational research. Our objective is to expand the program to the 5-state Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) region by establishing a TL1 cohort at Montana State University (MSU). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Interdisciplinary training at the predoctoral level is ideal for preparing the future translational workforce. At this stage in their training, they have developed disciplinary expertise but have not yet narrowed their specializations. By expanding the TL1 program to include both University of Washington (UW) and MSU we are amplifying the robust academic research networks of both institutions, particularly programs in rural health equity, rural and tribal populations, and emerging infectious diseases. Using a collaborative, online educational model we will bring together trainees in a multi directional, joint training effort utilizing existing and emerging collaborations. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The anticipated outcome is to create a single program by bringing together a cohort of scholars from various disciplines spanning the translational science spectrum, with diverse types of research experience which enables them to learn from each other in a diverse setting. This will allow the program to more effectively grow trainee’s competencies and knowledge in multidisciplinary translational research methodology, as well as build skills in team science and cross-disciplinary communication. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: If successful, the ITHS TL1 program will prepare translational scientists with an awareness of diverse perspectives and contemporary research challenges. This would benefit the 5 state WWAMI region, which covers 27% of the total land mass of the US.

CoCM Helps Duke Primary Care Meet Standards of Care

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article ProfessionalFull AccessCoCM Helps Duke Primary Care Meet Standards of CareMark MoranMark MoranSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:2 Mar 2023https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.04.4.14aAbstractThe program at Duke is another example of how North Carolina is expanding collaborative care services.Use of the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) at Duke University began on a pilot basis five years ago, when the University Health System awarded the Department of Psychiatry an innovation grant to establish the model at a handful of primary care sites.Today the model has been implemented throughout Duke’s primary care system.Marvin Swartz, M.D., said collaborative care offered a way for primary care practices to meet standards of depression care requiring follow-up with patients within a month after being prescribed an antidepressant.Marvin Swartz, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at Duke, said a selling point was that CoCM allowed primary care practices to meet standards of care for depression that require physicians to see a patient within one month of prescribing an antidepressant. As part of the pilot program, Duke had developed its own patient registry, which allows the CoCM team—which typically consists of the primary care physician, behavioral health care manager, and consulting psychiatrist—to track patients’ progress.Swartz is also director of the Duke Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is providing training and technical support to practices implementing collaborative care.“Primary care physicians really liked the model,” he said. “When we presented it to our health system leadership after the success of the pilot, we said we thought it was the only way that primary care could meet standards of care for management of depression. We argued ‘If that’s how we achieve the standard of care, then we need to do it.’ That led to its spreading across Duke’s primary care sites.”In a state that has one of the fastest growing populations and a small number of psychiatrists who are clustered in urban areas, CoCM is a population health solution to a vast need, Swartz said. “This is a way we can address the shortage in the mental health workforce in an efficient way and be sure all primary care offices have at least this base to meet their needs and can address the large proportion of people with mild to moderate conditions.”Swartz said that measurement-based care—using scales and validated instruments to assess progress of treatment—and communication of patients’ scores is a great improvement in cross-disciplinary communication.“Everyone knows what a PHQ-9 is. Primary care physicians typically don’t have the time to weave through a narrative. What they get back from the consulting psychiatrist is an efficient response with not a lot of verbiage.“Primary care doctors can also know that every one of their patients is evaluated by the behavioral health care manager using a variety of scales,” Swartz continued. “It’s a new language in collaboration.” ■ ISSUES NewArchived

Re-appraising disciplines: a commentary

ABSTRACT Our aim in this commentary is to challenge one of the claims made by interdisciplinarity advocates: that disciplines are silos and, as such, hinder cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. This claim is a central feature in interdisciplinarity advocates’ rationale for promoting structural changes across universities and reallocating resources toward interdisciplinary research units and training programmes. We use citation practices to demonstrate that cross disciplinary communication occurs despite claims otherwise. Considering the overwhelming amount of data generated by bibliometric studies, we argue that knowledge exchange across disciplines is too large to be ignored and that the silo thesis should be re-examined. The longitudinal perspective adopted by bibliometricians also shows that cross-disciplinary communication is far from being a new trend, but to the contrary is a well-established practice among academic communities. We begin our commentary by briefly reviewing three widespread assumptions underpinning pro-interdisciplinary arguments: (1) disciplines’ specialization hinders cross-disciplinary communication; (2) disciplines shun away from addressing real world problems; (3) disciplines are self-centred entities primarily competing for academic authority. We conclude our commentary by suggesting that a better understanding of the benefits and limits of interdisciplinarity requires moving away from broad statements about the alleged insularity of disciplines and openness of interdisciplinarity.

Name and scale matter: Clarifying the geography of Tibetan Plateau and adjacent mountain regions

Geographical names and the entities they represent act as a fundamental cornerstone across numerous disciplines. However, inconsistent geographical names and arbitrarily defined regional geographical scales are common, hindering cross-disciplinary communication and synthesis. The Pan-Tibetan Highlands, comprising the Tibetan Plateau, Himalaya, Hengduan Mountains and Mountains of Central Asia, is a case in point. To rectify these inconsistencies of terminology, we employed a multi-disciplinary approach to standardize the nomenclature of the Tibetan Plateau and the three adjacent mountain regions, defining their spatial extent using historical and contemporary perspectives. A literature meta-analysis indicated that ‘Tibetan Plateau’, ‘Himalaya’ and ‘Hengduan Mountains’ are the most suitable names for these regions in terms of both priority (earliest use) and popularity, whereas ‘Mountains of Central Asia’ emerges as appropriate for the mountain chains to the west of the Tibetan Plateau. The new term ‘Pan-Tibetan Highlands’ is proposed to replace the less precise and arguably misleading ‘High Mountain Asia’ for these regions collectively. Additionally, new geographical boundaries, applicable back through time, are proposed for each region, based on geological and geomorphological features. Using these new boundaries, the Pan-Tibetan Highlands area is 3.95 × 106 km2 with a mean elevation of 3824 m, while the Tibetan Plateau is smaller (1.82 × 106 km2) and higher (4465 m) than commonly assumed. Across the Pan-Tibetan Highlands, the proportion of protected areas is far below the proposed 30% anticipated in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework target with only a few exceptions. Additionally, the Hengduan Mountains showed the highest vascular plant species richness and endemism, followed by Himalaya, Mountains of Central Asia and the Tibetan Plateau. The obvious conservation gap in the Pan-Tibetan Highlands calls for urgent research-based optimization of conservation networks. Our approach benefits quantitative spatial analysis by providing well-defined geographical scales for various fields, aiding cross-disciplinary comparisons and synthesis.

Working to Resonate: Rhetorical Mapping of Disciplinary Stances about Technology, Risk, and the Brain

ABSTRACT Our largest multidisciplinary problems outpace disciplinary training designed to reinforce boundaries. Using an interdisciplinary conversation about adolescent brain imaging, I argue that disciplinary stances (interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary) operate like rhetorical stases, helping diagnose where conversations build or diverge among experts. Because what constitutes interdisciplinarity is contested, mapping rhetorical features of each disciplinary stance stabilizes definitional debates by grounding interactions in specific discursive practices and offers technical communicators ways to facilitate and participate in stronger crossdisciplinary communication.

Competency frameworks, nursing perspectives, and interdisciplinary collaborations for good patient care: Delineating boundaries.

To enhance patient care in the inevitable conditions of complexity that exist in contemporary healthcare, collaboration among healthcare professions is critical. While each profession necessarily has its own primary focus and perspective on the nature of human healthcare needs, these alone are insufficient for meeting the complex needs of patients (and potential patients). Persons are inevitably contextual entities, inseparable from their environments, and are subject to institutional and social barriers that can detract from good care or from accessing healthcare. These are some of the reasons behind current movements to develop competency frameworks that can enhance cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration. No single profession can claim the big picture. Effective teamwork is essential and requires members of diverse professions to understand the nature of each other's knowledge, skills, roles, perspectives, and perceived responsibilities so that they are optimally utilized on behalf of patients and their families. Interdisciplinary approaches to care permit different aspects of a person's needs to be addressed seamlessly and facilitate the removal of obstacles by engaging the range of resources exemplified by the different professions. Additionally, collaborative efforts are needed to influence policy changes on behalf of individual and social good and to address root causes of poor health especially as these impact society's most vulnerable. Here, we explore both the benefits and the risks of an uncritical acceptance of competency frameworks as a way to enhance interdisciplinary communication. We highlight the importance of anchoring proposed competency domains in the reason for being of a given profession and exemplify one way this has been accomplished for advanced practice nursing. Additionally, we argue that having this mooring, permits integration of the various competencies that both enhances professional moral agency and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration to further the mutual goals of the healthcare professions on behalf of quality patient care.

Developing future visions for bio-plastics substituting PET – A backcasting approach

The demand for plastics far exceeds that for any other bulk material and is expected to grow further due to global economic and population growth. Packaging is by far the largest end-user segment for plastics. Interest in bioplastics is increasing as public awareness of plastic waste accumulation in natural environments increases. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is the key monomer in the production of polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer that offers a sustainable solution to replace the commonly used polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A backcasting workshop with 42 experts was held to identify current barriers and challenges that block the commercialization of FDCA-based products and to outline potential pathways toward future market diffusion. Several barriers which are strongly related to technological and market-related aspects are preventing the full potential of FDCA from being unlocked. FDCA products cited in the literature are versatile and cover a wide array of niche applications. In the backcasting workshop, participants described their specific – yet highly divergent – future visions for PEF. Participants with a background in FDCA production referred mostly to developments that would need to take place in the field of FDCA applications to turn their vision into reality, while participants with a background in FDCA product development tended to refer to open issues related to FDCA synthesis. The findings of this study indicate that there is a great need for intensified cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration.

A Quality Improvement Approach to Ensuring Access to Specialty Care for Pediatric Patients.

Introduction:With pediatric rheumatologists in short supply, maximizing appointment availability and streamlining primary/specialty collaboration are essential. Lack of an efficient referral process impacts outcomes, quality of life, satisfaction, affordability, and resource allocation. Before this quality improvement project, our clinic had a 3- to 5-month backlog for new referrals.Methods:Using the model for improvement with numerous rapid-cycle plan-do-study-act cycles, this team restructured processes, developed a triage tool for communication across the care continuum, maximized staff roles in multiple areas, and instituted cross-disciplinary communication strategies to reduce appointment delays while significantly increasing efficiency.Results:The team succeeded in decreasing time from referral to specialty consult by 60%, decreasing no-show rates from 15% to 6%, and increasing throughput by an average of 45 more patients per month. Most new patients can now see our specialists within 23 days, meaning the children in our community have 65% shorter wait times for rheumatology services.Conclusion:The use of a triage algorithm with structured communication allows multidisciplinary care teams at both the referring and receiving providers to efficiently and accurately place patients into specialty care. This highly scalable and transferable project was accomplished with no direct financial outlay yet yielded significant returns by standardizing processes, empowering the entire care team to build skills, and improving communication.

Perspectives on confronting issues of scale in systems modeling

Issues of scale pervade every aspect of socio-environmental systems (SES) modeling. They can stem from the context of both the modeling process, and the purpose of the integrated model. A webinar hosted by the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC), The Integrated Assessment Society (TIAS) and the journal Socio-Environmental Systems Modelling (SESMO) explored how model stakeholders can address issues of scale. Four key considerations were raised: (1) being aware of our influence on the modeling pathway, and developing a shared language to overcome cross-disciplinary communication barriers; (2) that localized effects may aggregate to influence behavior at larger scales, necessitating the consideration of multiple scales; (3) that these effects are “patterns” that can be elicited to capture understanding of a system (of systems); and (4) recognition that the scales must be relevant to the involved stakeholders and decision makers. Key references in these four areas of consideration are presented to complement the discussion of confronting scale as a grand challenge in socio-environmental modeling. By considering these aspects within the integrated modeling process, we are better able to confront the issues of scale in socio-environmental modeling.

Preparing to Design Robots for Social Contexts

Educational programs in robotics have focused mostly on developing science, technology, engineering, and math skills, with recent extensions into the arts <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[1]</xref> . This focus has been entirely appropriate, until recently. Successful roboticists have been generalists with a specialty <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[2]</xref> whose careers involve both thinking and doing. Thinking (“investigative”) and doing (“realistic”) are personality traits that, when strongly correlated, predict success in computer science, engineering, and, by interpolation, robotics <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[3]</xref> . Industry voices confirm that roboticists need skills in systems thinking, a programming mindset, active learning, mathematics, science or other applied mathematics, judgment and decision making, good cross-disciplinary communication, technology design, complex problem solving, and persistence <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[4]</xref> . This list is adequate for many applications of robotic autonomous systems (“robots”).