Innovative Communication Tools Research Articles

A role game to learn about risk perception via downward counterfactual thinking

Italy is exposed to significant seismic and volcanic hazards, particularly in the Campania region, home to the Phlegraean Fields volcanic crater near Naples. Unlike Vesuvius and Stromboli, the Phlegraean Fields threat is not readily visible, and public awareness of volcanic danger and the civic emergency plan is correspondingly quite limited. Recent increased levels of regional seismic activity have concentrated attention on enhancing public volcano risk awareness, especially among younger generations.Recognizing the influential role of the younger demographic in societal scientific awareness, effective language and engagement strategies become paramount. In this context, Serious Games, which balance serious and playful elements, emerge as an innovative science communication tool actively involving participants and enhancing their learning experience.Integral to risk analysis is the use of downward counterfactual analysis, a cognitive psychology concept that prompts a deliberate examination of how events might have taken a more adverse turn. This approach contributes to enhanced disaster preparedness, particularly for extreme natural risks such as volcanic eruptions.An interactive Victorian parlor game was designed for the 2023 edition of the Science Fair “Futuro Remoto” in Bagnoli, in the Phlegraean Fields. This game aims to elevate risk awareness, offering participants an instructive and engaging experience focused on counterfactual thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills development.The initiative places participants at the core of the learning process, fostering not only the acquisition of scientific knowledge but also individual risk intelligence. An evaluation protocol has been developed to assess the impact of the experience on risk perception, with outcomes to be presented after the 2023 edition of “Futuro Remoto,” where nearly 200 participants engaged in the game.

Comparing Provider and ChatGPT Responses to Breast Reconstruction Patient Questions in the Electronic Health Record.

Patient-directed Electronic Health Record (EHR) messaging is used as an adjunct to enhance patient-physician interactions but further burdens the physician. There is a need for clear electronic patient communication in all aspects of medicine, including plastic surgery. We can potentially utilize innovative communication tools like ChatGPT. This study assesses ChatGPT's effectiveness in answering breast reconstruction queries, comparing its accuracy, empathy, and readability with healthcare providers' responses. Ten deidentified questions regarding breast reconstruction were extracted from electronic messages. They were presented to ChatGPT3, ChatGPT4, plastic surgeons, and advanced practice providers for response. ChatGPT3 and ChatGPT4 were also prompted to give brief responses. Using 1-5 Likert scoring, accuracy and empathy were graded by 2 plastic surgeons and medical students, respectively. Readability was measured using Flesch Reading Ease. Grades were compared using 2-tailed t tests. Combined provider responses had better Flesch Reading Ease scores compared to all combined chatbot responses (53.3 ± 13.3 vs 36.0 ± 11.6, P < 0.001) and combined brief chatbot responses (53.3 ± 13.3 vs 34.7 ± 12.8, P < 0.001). Empathy scores were higher in all combined chatbot than in those from combined providers (2.9 ± 0.8 vs 2.0 ± 0.9, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in accuracy between combined providers and all combined chatbot responses (4.3 ± 0.9 vs 4.5 ± 0.6, P = 0.170) or combined brief chatbot responses (4.3 ± 0.9 vs 4.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.128). Amid the time constraints and complexities of plastic surgery decision making, our study underscores ChatGPT's potential to enhance patient communication. ChatGPT excels in empathy and accuracy, yet its readability presents limitations that should be addressed.

THE ADVANTAGES OF MODERN COMMUNICATION IN THE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY OF THE LEADERSHIP STAFF OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEI): EXAMPLES FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES

In the 21st century, the leadership of higher education institutions (HEIs) faces increasingly complex challenges due to rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness. Modern communication technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for leadership to enhance the efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making processes within institutions. This article explores the advantages of modern communication technologies in the leadership activities of HEI leaders, drawing examples from foreign countries where innovative communication tools have been successfully integrated into leadership practices.

Do one’s moral foundations impact how they respond to information on climate change emissions? A vehicle choice experiment

Transportation is a major source of climate change emissions. Providing people with better information on those emissions is one means of helping individuals make climate-friendly choices. However, not everyone is influenced by the same type of information. Previous research has demonstrated that Goal Framing Theory could help improve the influence of climate change emissions information and that different framings have different levels of influence depending on a number of socio-demographic and attitudinal characteristics. However, apart from climate change motivation, what other underlying psychological factors might help us understand why the framings vary in their influence between individuals? Moral Foundation Theory (MFT) identifies key values that influence people’s moral decisions, providing a useful framework for understanding diverse responses to information. The objective of this study is to understand whether MFT can help explain different responses by individuals and identify which framings are associated with stronger responses for different moral foundations. This study investigates the moderating effects of moral foundations on individuals’ responsiveness to different emission information framings. Utilizing data from discrete choice experiments involving 2015 Canadian drivers, we examine how different moral foundations impact the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for reducing emissions. The results reveal that the impact of emissions information framing varies significantly according to individuals’ moral foundations. Specifically, moral values associated with Authority, Fairness, and Purity play negative moderating roles on WTP for CO2 emissions under different framings, whereas Ingroup and Harm foundations have positive moderating effects on WTP with the framings tested. Additionally, innovative communication tools like new emojis demonstrated strong positive effects on WTP, especially among those with strong Ingroup, Fairness, and Purity values. Conversely, individuals with a strong Authority value showed the lowest WTP when presented with pressure gauge visuals. Using appropriate framing based on Moral Foundation Theory can considerably change the willingness-to-pay for climate change emissions for different parts of the population, with a notable increase in WTP observed among individuals inclined to alter their behavior. Future framings should incorporate MFT in their design.

Utilization of Interpersonal Communication in the Context of Digital Marketing: A Review of the Literature and Implications for Business Practices

The integration of interpersonal communication within digital marketing strategies has become increasingly crucial for businesses aiming to foster stronger customer relationships and enhance brand loyalty. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing literature review and library research methods to examine the utilization of interpersonal communication in digital marketing contexts. By synthesizing findings from a diverse range of academic articles, industry reports, and case studies published over the past decade, this research identifies key trends and effective practices in leveraging interpersonal communication for digital marketing. The analysis highlights the importance of personalized interactions, trust-building, and responsive communication in online environments. Furthermore, it reveals that businesses that effectively integrate interpersonal communication strategies in their digital marketing efforts can achieve higher customer engagement and satisfaction. However, the study also discusses challenges such as maintaining authenticity and managing communication at scale. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners aiming to optimize their digital marketing strategies and suggest areas for future research, particularly in the development of innovative communication tools and techniques. This comprehensive review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by elucidating the role of interpersonal communication in the digital marketing landscape and its implications for business practices.

Impact of Smart Glasses on Patient Care Time in Emergency Medical Services Ambulance.

The smart glasses were implemented as an innovative communication tool to enhance effectiveness in the field. The traditional mode of communication for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was radio, which had significant restrictions, primarily that they were unable to transmit any visual data. To enhance efficiency, the smart glasses were used for a more accurate assessment of the condition of patients during transportation. At this time, however, no prior study has shown significant benefits of employing smart glasses into EMS. The primary objective of this study is to compare the duration of patient care in an ambulance between the use and non-use of smart glasses. The secondary objective is to identify the characteristics of data communication between the ambulance and the hospital. This retrospective study utilized data gathered from closed-circuit television (CCTV) in ambulances at Srinagarind Hospital, Thailand. The data were collected over a six-month period, specifically from July through December 2021. The study included two groups: the smart glasses group and no smart glasses groups, both used during EMS operations. The primary data collected focused on the duration of patient care in the ambulance. Additionally, the type and characteristics of data transfers via smart glasses during EMS operations were also recorded. Out of the 256 EMS operations included in this study, 53.1% (N = 68) of the participants in the smart glasses group were male. The majority of operations were performed during the afternoon shift in both groups. The average patient care time in the smart glasses group was 10.07 minutes, while it was 5.10 minutes in the no smart glasses group (P <.001), indicating a significant difference. Visual data communication between the ambulance and the hospital via smart glasses predominantly involved vital signs (100.0%), physical examination (56.3%), and neurological examination (42.2%). The use of audio data from the hospital to the ambulance primarily included taking additional patient history (26.6%) and performing physical examinations (19.5%). The implementation of smart glasses in EMS operations resulted in an increase in patient care time in the ambulance. Furthermore, the use of smart glasses facilitated an effective channel of real-time two-way communication between the ambulance and the hospital.

Designing and Developing a Meat Traceability System: A Case Study for the Greek Meat Industry

This research paper investigates the importance of traceability in the meat industry. It explains that the global market’s intense competition and consumers’ increased expectations have forced companies to implement electronic traceability systems to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and mitigate incidents and fraud. The meat industry is facing increased consumer awareness and concern about food quality and safety. Consumers are extremely sensitive to food production conditions, and traceability can help companies increase consumers’ trust. This work describes the design and implementation of a customized traceability system, developed using the Agile method, for the local meat industry. For the needs of the project, advanced and innovative information and communication technologies and tools, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things, were also used. The main problem that this research aims to address is the lack of transparency in three phases: transparency within the industry’s internal processes, transparency in the life of the animal from the moment of its birth, and transparency towards the consumer. The objectives of this research are twofold. First, we aim to digitize the Greek meat industry. Concurrently, we intend to create a traceability system that will generate important data, thereby providing valuable information for all stakeholders.

Use of Marketing Communication Tools in Tourism in Accommodation Facilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The spread of the infectious disease COVID-19 throughout the world in 2020 caused a global pandemic, which, with subsequent measures, seriously affected the global tourism industry. The main purpose of the research study was to identify and analyse the use of marketing communication tools in tourism in accommodation facilities in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper adds to the existing literature by offering a better understanding of the link between the effectiveness of marketing communication tools within the marketing strategy and the financial losses of the hotel sector. As part of the research, a total of 140 controlled, structured interviews were conducted with managers of selected accommodation facilities, in which the scope and primary forms of use of marketing communication tools during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated. Research objectives were verified through research questions and hypotheses. The main findings of the research revealed that more than half of the monitored accommodation establishments in the Czech Republic did not change their promotion strategy during the pandemic. In contrast, almost 13% of the accommodation establishments surveyed did not use any tools to communicate with the customer. The research also showed that marketing communication of accommodation facilities takes place mainly in the form of websites and social media, while the most effective communication is via social networks. Therefore, the authors recommend professional associations operating in tourism and hospitality focus their educational activities on the possibilities of using innovative marketing communication tools to communicate with customers. The research was carried out for the requirements and needs of society and practice in connection with the effects of the pandemic crisis so that it was possible to communicate more effectively with the customer segment in the tourism sector.

DIGITAL KITAMBO: DECOLONISING NARRATIVES AND BRINGING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA

The Swahili word ‘kitambo’, which refers to occurrences in the past that are understood to be at least indirectly connected to the speaker, can be used to describe experimental museology through digital cultural heritage. There is a need to improve access and enhance conservation goals within African cultural heritage institutions, and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has been developing innovative technologies and communication tools with the Kenya Heritage Resource Information System (KEHRIS). This paper will discuss Digital Kitambo—a pilot project completed at NMK from 2013 – 2019 to create the spatially integrated database KEHRIS, digitise 10,000 artefacts and specimens from the archaeology and palaeontology collections, and develop digital learning programmes to engage a wider audience. Qualitative research methodology included participant observation, qualitative interviews and focus groups with museum staff as well as focus groups with primary and secondary teachers to develop curricula for local schools. This paper traces the evolution of Digital Kitambo from its inception and reflects on both the successes and shortcomings of the initiative with particular attention to its goals of decolonising the museum’s collections and contributing to new national narratives by engaging the public through digital initiatives.

DIGITAL KITAMBO: DECOLONISING NARRATIVES AND BRINGING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA

The Swahili word ‘kitambo’, which refers to occurrences in the past that are understood to be at least indirectly connected to the speaker, can be used to describe experimental museology through digital cultural heritage. There is a need to improve access and enhance conservation goals within African cultural heritage institutions, and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has been developing innovative technologies and communication tools with the Kenya Heritage Resource Information System (KEHRIS). This paper will discuss Digital Kitambo—a pilot project completed at NMK from 2013 – 2019 to create the spatially integrated database KEHRIS, digitise 10,000 artefacts and specimens from the archaeology and palaeontology collections, and develop digital learning programmes to engage a wider audience. Qualitative research methodology included participant observation, qualitative interviews and focus groups with museum staff as well as focus groups with primary and secondary teachers to develop curricula for local schools. This paper traces the evolution of Digital Kitambo from its inception and reflects on both the successes and shortcomings of the initiative with particular attention to its goals of decolonising the museum’s collections and contributing to new national narratives by engaging the public through digital initiatives.&#x0D;

Evaluating Clinician Expectations of mHealth Solutions to Increase Rapid-Screening for HIV and Hepatitis in Migrant Populations in France: Qualitative Study

Migrants underuse screening opportunities for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C despite elevated risk factors for contracting these infections. Language barriers are an often given as reasons for limiting access to services. Translation and communication apps increase communication and overall patient satisfaction in the patient-provider relationship. In the development and adoption of new technology, expectations play an important role. This study aimed to explore health care professionals' opinions and attitudes regarding their screening practices with migrants and their expectations for a new communication tool that could improve migrants' screening use. In this qualitative study, a purposive (diverse) sampling method was used to invite doctors and nurses who conduct rapid screening tests with migrants from 4 centers of the French Office of Immigration and Integration in 3 geographic regions of France. Semistructured interviews were conducted to survey their opinions on the rapid testing of migrants, the use of telephone interpreters, the concept of health literacy, and their expectations of a new communication tool that could overcome language barriers and promote rapid screening in the new migrant population. In all, 20 interviews were conducted with 11 doctors and 9 nurses with a median age of 58 (range 25-67) years. Participants favored the integration of an innovative communication tool in the context of rapid screening of migrants. However, there were concerns related to the implementation and added value of the tool while migrants were already reluctant to be screened. Expectations were for a tool that would present information in simplified French or a chosen language but also supports a positive attitude toward screening. Health professionals also expressed the wish that the technology could help with the collection of health data. Feedback from health professionals provides a better understanding of potential formats, characteristics, functions, content, and use of an innovative, digital method to communicate with migrants with limited French proficiency. Findings contribute to the conceptual development of an electronic app and its implementation within the ApiDé study, which aims to validate a digital app to address language barriers to increase the use of screening among migrants with limited French proficiency in France.

“The potential of social media in health promotion beyond creating awareness: an integrative review”

BackgroundDeveloping strategies to change health behaviour is one of the biggest challenges of health promotion programs. Social media, as a popular and innovative communication and education tool, offers opportunities to modify health behaviour. While literature on using social media for health promotion campaigns is growing, there is a need to evaluate the approaches used to change health behaviour, rather than only creating awareness.ObjectiveThe paper reviewed the literature on application of social media in health promotion campaigns with a particular focus on the methodologies used in assessing the outcome of the programs for behaviour change. This fills the void in collating evidence to extend health promotion campaigns to effect sustainable behavioural change.MethodPeer-reviewed articles were identified through multiple science databases. A systematic electronic search was conducted to retrieve review and original papers published between January 2010 and April 2022. The titles and abstracts of the articles were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All authors independently read the full texts and discussed them to reach a consensus about the themes. Concept mapping was used to present results from analysis of the included papers.ResultsOf the 674 citations, 28 (4.1%) studies were included in this review. The methodology approaches of 18 (2.7%) papers, that aimed to evaluate the impact of social media in health promotion campaigns towards behaviour change, were analysed further using concept mapping. The results showed that 10 studies (55.5%) adopted quantitative methods and five studies (27.7%) used mixed methods and three studies (16.6%) used qualitative methods. Facebook and YouTube were used more for intervention purposes to change health behaviour. Twitter and Instagram were used more to observe the trend of changes in health behaviour. Six studies (33.3%) adopted Social Cognitive Theory and one study (5.5%) applied the Transtheoretical Model as the framework to evaluate the outcome. Overall, the results show that though social media has potential in promoting behaviour change, the estimation of this change in long-term lies outside the scope of social media health campaigns. This is also reflected in the methodologies used in existing studies to assess such sustainable changes. The employed measures usually target immediate behaviour or social media engagement rather than addressing the change on a behavioural level.ConclusionEvaluating the performance of social media campaigns to promote health behaviours towards a sustainable outcome is a complex process. Emerging research is focused on evaluating the potential of social media as an opportunity to create awareness. Such measures require less effort in quantifying and isolating the effect. The design of the campaigns is required to be aligned in relation to stages of the behaviour change. The study provides suggestions on how this can be achieved.

Patient-centered communication tool for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia, their caregivers, and oncologists: A single-arm pilot study.

In a single-arm pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and usefulness of an innovative patient-centered communication tool (UR-GOAL tool) that addresses aging-related vulnerabilities, patient values, and prognostic awareness for use in treatment decision making between older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their caregivers, and oncologists. Primary feasibility metric was retention rate; >50% was considered feasible. We collected recruitment rate, usefulness, and outcomes including AML knowledge (range 0-14) and perceived efficacy in communicating with oncologists (range 5-25). Due to the pilot nature and small sample size, hypothesis testing was performed at α=0.10. We included 15 patients (mean age 76 years, range 64-88), 12 caregivers, and 5 oncologists; enrollment and retention rates for patients were 84% and 73%, respectively. Patients agreed that the UR-GOAL tool helped them understand their AML diagnosis and treatment options, communicate with their oncologist, and make more informed decisions. From baseline to post-intervention, patients and caregivers scored numerically higher on AML knowledge (patients: +0.6, p= 0.22; caregivers: +1.1, p= 0.05) and perceived greater efficacy in communicating with their oncologists (patients: +1.5, p= 0.22; caregivers: +1.2, p= 0.06). We demonstrated that it is feasible to incorporate the UR-GOAL tool into treatment decision making for older patients with AML, their caregivers, and oncologists.

An empirical evaluation of the causes leading to binding dispute resolution mechanisms in the Quebec construction industry

Construction disputes may arise from various situations and have varied consequences throughout the project life cycle. Whilst previous studies examined the leading causes of disputes, there is still a lack of understanding of the differences between the various disputes in terms of severity, probable implications, and outcomes. Specifically, once disputes reach a stage where they must be resolved through binding dispute resolution methods (DRMs), little research has been conducted to understand the impact of these DRMs on project outcomes. The research presented in this paper sought to establish which causes of disputes lead to binding DRMs. A sequential exploratory research design was adopted. First, interviews were conducted with nine construction experts in Quebec, Canada, to evaluate the potential of linking specific causes of disputes with the escalation to binding DRMs. The second phase involved collecting and analysing data from 94 participants through a survey. The findings revealed that unforeseen changes, lack of communication, ambiguities in contract documents, design errors, and work progress delays were the most commonly associated causes of reaching binding DRMs. The paper concluded that alternative approaches such as relational contracts, team integration, and innovative technology and communication tools should be considered to be used as preventative measures.

Open Business Model of Eco-Innovation for Sustainability Development: Implications for the Open-Innovation Dynamics of Slovakia

The paper presents the results of a survey aimed at evaluating the attitudes of Slovak respondents toward eco-innovation purchasing power supplied on the Slovak market to propose an open business model that would support such purchasing power to increase sustainability. The primary method applied in the research was the Kano model, by which we determined the attitudes of the respondents to the issue. Based on the findings and using the analytical-synthetic method, we subsequently processed a proposal for a business model for implementation of ecological innovation in Slovakia. This model used innovative marketing communication tools to increase interest in eco-innovation and products, and created a learning algorithm to influence customers’ shopping behaviors. As a result of the research, we assumed that the main obstacles to increasing demand for eco-innovation and products were inexperience, cost, and lack of information held by respondents, and therefore it is necessary to build and improve customer relationships, in which, in addition to traditional forms of marketing, it is inevitable to use various innovative forms of corporate social responsibility to minimize these negatives.

КОМУНІКАЦІЙНІ СТРАТЕГІЇ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ФОРМУВАННЯ І РЕАЛІЗУВАННЯ ЗА УМОВ ЄВРОІНТЕГРУВАННЯ

The paper analyzes current problems and potential opportunities for the formation and implementation of communication strategies by Ukrainian enterprises in European economic integration. It is customary to develop a communication strategy following the critical objectives of the company to promote close and effective communication between the company and stakeholders. The key stages of the development of communication strategies of enterprises are analyzed. The critical socio-economic elements of communication systems of enterprises are characterized. The comparative characteristic of electronic and traditional (verbal/printed) communication types of enterprises under European integration conditions is formed. The interpretation and understanding of the management of the majority of Ukrainian enterprises of the concept of integrated communications is studied. Several factors (factors) that are significant obstacles to applying the concept of integrated communications have been identified. The importance of traditional communication tools of the enterprise is analyzed. It is established that they are not able to cover absolutely all contact audiences fully, stakeholders to ensure a high level of efficiency in the implementation of communication strategies of the enterprise. It is substantiated that the constant scientific and technical development of technologies encourages the use of the latest communication tools, creative approaches, and creativity. Innovative communication tools are systematized. It is established that analysis, monitoring, research of application of information, communication technologies in the management system of Ukrainian enterprises will increase the level of objectivity of assessment, establish a measure of realizing the potential of info-communication management of enterprise personnel to achieve the main goals of the enterprise.

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS IN THE TOURISM BUSINESS

In the article the author revealed the essence of marketing communications in the hospitality industry, researched and characterized marketing communication tools that are relevant in the application of improving relations between participants of the tourist market environment. The effective activity of the enterprises of the tourism industry is based on taking into account the satisfaction of the complex of material, social and spiritual needs of consumers, and the use of innovative marketing communication tools. Global conditions of existence and competitive business activity require the use of innovative, effective marketing communication elements, which is covered in this article. The methodological basis for solving the main theoretical and methodological problems was the use of techniques of theoretical generalization, a combination of historical and logical, comparative, and structural-functional approach, and in order to highlight the economic importance of the tourism industry, the methods of information analysis and synthesis, the comparative-legal method, as well as statistical and economic analysis, etc.. The article analyzes the factors that significantly determine the competitiveness of a tourist enterprise on the services market and substantiates the need to use innovative marketing communication tools for effective interaction with consumers in the market tourism environment. The paper highlights and argues, taking into account the challenges facing the tourism business, market requirements, the use of marketing communication elements: advertising; communication with the public; sales promotion and maintaining the company’s image policy. With a professional approach to tourism marketing, you can, using appropriate communication tools, show ways to influence the consumer of tourist services. Therefore, the creation of an effective system of marketing communications in the tourism sphere will allow the formation of a positive image of Ukraine in the market of tourist services, which will lead to investment inflows to the country, reduction of unemployment, etc

Experiences of reproductive genetic counselors with abortion regulations in Ohio.

Since 2010, Ohio legislators have passed more than 15 legislative changes related to abortion and abortion providers, and nine procedural abortion clinics have closed. We investigated reproductive genetic counselors' perceptions, attitudes and self-reported practices regarding Ohio's current and proposed abortion regulations. We conducted five focus groups and two telephone interviews in 2019-2020, with a total of 19 reproductive genetic counselors. Participants discussed difficulties keeping current on abortion legislation and clinics' and hospitals' policies, resulting in anticipatory anxiety and leading to additional work to discuss the laws with patients. Participants articulated that practices of reproductive genetic counseling-and patient advocacy-are impeded by the legislation. Genetic counselors perceive negative impacts on patients' autonomy, particularly reflective of healthcare disparities of marginalized groups, which may contribute to frustration and anger. Ultimately, the mental and emotional burden on genetic counselors created by abortion legislation contributes to compassion fatigue and burnout. Our findings show that Ohio's abortion regulations negatively impact reproductive genetic counselors and their relationships with their patients. Repealing existing abortion regulations and preventing future restrictive legislation may ameliorate the negative effects of regulations on reproductive genetic counselors and their patients. In the event that these laws remain, innovative communication tools and proactive professional society advocacy are potential means to mitigate the negative impact on reproductive genetic counselors.

Ethnocultural Communities in the Global Information Environment: Russian Context

The development of digital and information technologies for social communication has transformed the traditional ways of reproducing ethnic solidarity. This produced an unprecedented moЬilization effect of ethnic self-organization. The article solves two proЬlems: firstly, it offers а classification of ethnic networks based on the allocation of goals and moЬilization guidelines, and secondly, it fixes new ways of constructing them using innovative communication tools. The conclusion is made about the strengthening of the autonomy of ethnic structures of self-organization in the context of the transformation of the global information environment.

Development and Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Electronic Discharge Readiness Tool: User-Centered Design Approach.

BackgroundTypical solutions for improving discharge planning often rely on one-way communication mechanisms, static data entry into the electronic health record (EHR), or in-person meetings. Lack of timely and effective communication can adversely affect patients and their care teams.ObjectiveApplying robust user-centered design strategies, we aimed to design an innovative EHR-based discharge readiness communication tool (the Discharge Today tool) to enable care teams to communicate any barriers to discharge, the status of patient discharge readiness, and patient discharge needs in real time across hospital settings.MethodsWe employed multiple user-centered design strategies, including exploration of the current state for documenting discharge readiness and directing discharge planning, iterative low-fidelity prototypes, multidisciplinary stakeholder meetings, a brainwriting premortem exercise, and preproduction user testing. We iteratively collected feedback from users via meetings and surveys.ResultsWe conducted 28 meetings with 20 different stakeholder groups. From these stakeholder meetings, we developed 14 low-fidelity prototypes prior to deploying the Discharge Today tool for our pilot study. During the pilot study, stakeholders requested 46 modifications, of which 25 (54%) were successfully executed. We found that most providers who responded to the survey reported that the tool either saved time or did not change the amount of time required to complete their discharge workflow (21/24, 88%). Responses to open-ended questions offered both positive feedback and opportunities for improvement in the domains of efficiency, integration into workflow, avoidance of redundancies, expedited communication, and patient-centeredness.ConclusionsSurvey data suggest that this electronic discharge readiness tool has been successfully adopted by providers and clinical staff. Frequent stakeholder engagement and iterative user-centered design were critical to the successful implementation of this tool.