Intersectoral Communication Research Articles

Problems of interaction between branches of a museum association (on the example of the United Museum of Ural Writers)

The article is devoted to the problems of internal communication in a museum association, which include intersectoral communication, personnel questions, the problem of inertia, as well as the conflict of tradition and innovation. The problem is considered on the basis of a survey of employees in various departments and branches of the United Museum of Ural Writers in Yekaterinburg. In the article, the existing problems are analyzed as a consequence of the modern cultural policy of the state in the museum sphere. It is also the result of competition inside the association. The author raises the problem of interaction between the employees of the museum’s collections and exhibitors, and also attempts to find a solution to this problem. In addition, contradictions in the work of the museum’s PR management are mentioned. Certain difficulties arise in the field of organizing the scientific activities of the museum because researchers are actively involved in the current largescale and educational work of the association. The survey of workers on various elements of the structure of the United Museum of Writers of the Urals made it possible to comprehend, “articulate”, a number of problems of intersectoral communication. This helped to determine the main vectors for the museum’s future development. The new development strategy of the United Museum of Writers of the Urals and new formats of museum activities are aimed at creating a new image of the association as an intercultural multifunctional platform. The leadership of the association includes all sectors and departments in solving the common problems. Thanks to this, the association is gradually overcoming the difficulties of internal communication and the isolation of branches.

Intersectoral online training and exchange during the covid-19 pandemic in a district: Component for intersectoral communication of care

In anticipation of the pressure of the rising numbers in COVID-19 cases on the regional health system, an exchange between the actors engaged in handling the pandemic from a medical perspective in the district of Rhein-Neckar/ Heidelberg was initiated in October 2020. The outpatient and inpatient sector as well as the public health office of the district and the Department of Family Medicine and Health Services Research of the University Hospital participated. A mutual online meeting was planned to enable bidirectional exchange at the intersection of primary care. The mutually identified topics, like criteria for admission, therapy and nursing homes were ver-ified via an online survey (n = 63 participants, 76 % family physicians). Additional topics that had been suggested were passed on to the intersectional actors and, wherever possible, included in the meeting. On 11 December 2020, 71 physicians attended the meeting. In addition to the presentations, 53 questions were asked and discussed by the presenters via chat. Demand for a follow-up meeting was high. In January, a follow-up event with n = 115 participants focusing on COVID-19 vaccinations war organized, again with an active participation and a high request for a follow-up meeting. So, the experiences encourage to continue this format, involving all the actors relevant for a medical management of the pan-demic. This could be a component for fostering a bilateral communication, on the one hand engaging the actors of the primary care sector and on the other hand providing continuing medical education in the dynamic pandemic.

Perspective on mHealth Concepts to Ensure Users’ Empowerment–From Adverse Event Tracking for COVID-19 Vaccinations to Oncological Treatment

Mobile applications have increasingly entered the healthcare sector. Besides being daily companions, so-called mHealth applications have the potential to enable individuals to collect data, document issues, and share them with healthcare professionals to better adjust medical treatment, side effects, or quality of life. While patient empowerment should be a paramount goal, the setup of these applications in a reliable and communication-effective way is under discussion. In particular, including mHealth applications in the clinical practice routine is crucial to boost their development. Security concerns are of utmost importance as such applications deal with personal data. Considering the sensitive nature of many of the involved data, a trustworthy transfer protocol to the respective health care providers is essential to convince potential users. On the same grounds, healthcare providers, which represent another major stakeholder, might be skeptical of utilizing mHealth applications. This issue is often not prioritized by app developers, and there is a multitude of apps lacking clear and transparent data transfer concepts with a focus on both security and usability. In the following, we present and discuss two different approaches for managing and reporting sensitive clinical information and their secure inter-sectoral transfer. Both use cases are currently implemented into clinical practice, and their applicability is under constant evaluation. Besides, to empower inter-sectoral communication, both approaches have been developed in close collaboration with healthcare providers to maximize both communication and effectiveness of the mHealth applications. Based on our work, we conclude that while mHealth applications can be important in many aspects of improving health care, there are often significant limitations of mHealth-based communication, which can hamper its integration in clinical settings. To overcome these limitations, we show how to apply and re-elaborate on existing security and communication strategies. Finally, we highlight how these approaches can strengthen both patient and healthcare professionals' empowerment.

COVID - 19 Pandemic Preparedness in Vadodara district of Gujarat in India

We described the COVID – 19 prevention and control activity done in Vadodara district of Gujarat. Study was done to describe the activities and to identify the gaps in prevention and control of COVID – 19 control activity. A cross sectional observational study was conducted between 09.05.2020 to 20.05.2020. Data was collected from urban and rural health units by interviewing officers and health workers involved in covid control activities. Relevant data was extracted from records and IDSP portal. There was a huge increase of CCC beds and CHC beds and total tests from 9 May to 20 May 2020 to meet the demand of the district. There was nearly 14 times increase of CCC beds, nearly fifteen times enhancement of CHC beds and nearly three times enhancement of RT-PCR tests on 20 May 2020 in comparison to 14 May 2020. There was a 21% increase of CH-ICU beds. Motivated Health worker, timely decision by the District Administration, proactive approach and inter-sectoral communication had made the district successful in controlling the situation.

Health promotion in Swiss municipalities: towards proportionate universalism

Abstract Background Health promotion goes beyond the health sector. Municipalities, the local public authorities in Switzerland, have a crucial role to promote population health in all their decisions. Initially developed by Promotion Santé Valais, the label “Healthy municipality” exists in the canton of Vaud since 2015. The label takes stock of existing measures in health promotion and prevention in all sectors and incentivise new interventions. The labelling process respects different criteria and is validated by an external committee. It is voluntarist, free of charge for the municipality but requires time and intersectoral communication. This abstract explores equity in the uptake of the label. Results In Vaud, 17 municipalities have been labelled “healthy”. Two external evaluations by Swiss universities highlighted that small villages are less involved in the label than urban areas. To achieve health equity, we need to identify and approach municipalities with limited human and financial resources, that might be less active in health promotion and/or whose population is socioeconomically disadvantaged. Preliminary results indicate that municipalities below 1000 inhabitants, in rural areas, should be targeted first. We are currently investigating the barriers and facilitators for them to enrol in the label. Lessons As labels rewarding healthy cities are expanding worldwide, it is important to document and reflect on who benefits from them, and who does not. Our practice is now focusing more on villages in rural areas, with less resources than urban settings. We investigate their needs regarding the type of support that we, public health professionals, can provide. Proportionate universalism principles should also apply to advocacy for health promotion, at the municipality level. Key messages To achieve health in all policies, the role of municipalities is essential. More efforts in health promotion should target specifically small and rural municipalities, with limited resources.

Advances in an integrated evaluation of Community health in Medellín (Colombia) during 2014-2019

Abstract Background In accordance with the “Health in All Policies” approach, since 2014 the city of Medellín (Colombia) has implemented a community-based urban health model based on knowledge and action to strengthen community participation, social cohesion, and health equity. Methods A mix method design was carried out to effectively monitor planning actions, as well as specific socio-environmental interventions in two thirds of the communes of Medellín. A standardized operating procedure was built up: toolkit for diagnostic validation were developed; priorities and health needs identified; assets of social, community, institutional and social capital of the intervened communes analyzed and mapped; community capacities and social leadership in health strengthened; governance and intersectoral communication for change and social mobilization increased. Results 45.07 (SD 19.77) was a measurement baseline of Community Social Capital in Health. The interrelation between community health assets was especially relevant in some communes. For example: In the Commune 1 Popular, women's leadership allowed the implementation of relevant salutogenic actions. The intersectoral actions of the Commune 15 Guayabal for child care were evaluated as a case of territorial governance. In the Commune 12 La América, social mobilization actions were evaluated as a case for social communication. By other side, the learning process of a community training program in social participation in health has generated relevant evidence to continue jointly reinforcing citizen empowerment in health decision-making. Conclusions There was a large overlap between the community health interests and the technical decisions for health planning designed by the city health authority, in that sense, assessing social participation in health as a process involves not only planning common actions but also designing and applying participatory knowledge with the community. Key messages Social interactions for social health transformations requires longitudinal process of observation. Implementation evaluation is useful 'just on time' for decision making process.

Preparedness and response in Portuguese emergency plans - Interaction with public health

Abstract Background Articulation between Civil Protection and Public Health authorities is of paramount importance to control, reduce and prevent threats to the health of the population in situations of crisis or catastrophes. National Civil Protection Authority produces Emergency Plans which describe the role of every stakeholder in emergency situations. Role and importance of Public Health and Public Health Authorities is not always present or well described and known amongst stakeholders. Methods Data was collected from all Districtal Emergency Plans (n = 18). Each document was analysed considering time frame, refences to Public Health and Health Authorities, definition of roles, communication channels, coordination and inclusion of intersectoral communication flow. Quantitative analysis included absolute and relative frequencies and qualitative analysis to all parts related to the terms “Public Health” and “Health Authority”. Each document was reviewed by 2 independent researchers. Results From 18 Districtal Emergency Plans (DEP) analysed, 94,4% (n = 17) had references to Public Health, but none referred the role of Public Health Officers. Only 16,7% referred to Health Authorities, although 94,4% mentioned the law 135/2013, defining the role and attributes of Health Authority. In 72,2%, coordination of Public Health Measures was attributed to the National Medical Emergency Institute. Epidemiological surveillance and Public Health Emergencies were referred in 55,6%, and attributed to the Regional Administration of Health. Conclusions Public Health Authorities and Public Health Medical Officers role in articulation with National Civil Protection Authority in emergency situations lacks severely, with this role being replaced by other entities. This is of great concern regarding management and control of diseases, particularly communicable diseases. Key messages Public Health Authorities lack the necessary involvement in Emergency Plans and emergency situations. Public health measures are coordinated by other entities rather than Public Health Authorities.

Segurança do paciente em centro cirúrgico: percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem

Objetivo: Conhecer as ações realizadas pelos profissionais de enfermagem direcionadas à segurança do paciente no ambiente de centro cirúrgico(CC), segundo discurso desses profissionais. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, de caráter exploratório e descritivo, com abordagemqualitativa. Os dados foram coletados em um CC por meio de entrevista gravada norteada por roteiro estruturado com quatro questões abertas fundamentadasno método do discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC), com foco na prática da assistência segura para o paciente no CC. A amostra foi compostade 12 profissionais de enfermagem, sendo um auxiliar e 11 técnicos. Os dados foram organizados e analisados segundo método do DSC. Resultados:As respostas deram origem a seis discursos, que revelaram preocupação em manter a segurança do paciente por meio de identificação, comunicaçãoentre equipe multiprofissional e paciente, prevenção de quedas, ações para a prática segura, comunicação intersetorial e manutenção de equipamentos.Conclusão: Os profissionais de enfermagem compreendem a importância da segurança do paciente no CC e consideram que o conjunto de práticas realizadasdeve estar alinhado, de modo que minimize eventos adversos e proporcione assistência qualificada, em benefício da qualidade de vida do paciente.

Elderly people, dependency and vulnerability in the coronavirus pandemic: an emergency for a social and health integration

La pandemia actual por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) afecta con mayor incidencia y gravedad a las personas mayores en todo el mundo. En España, el 68% del total de hospitalizaciones por coronavirus, corresponden a mayores de 60 años. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo incrementar la evidencia sobre las medidas a implementar con directrices actuales y futuras en diferentes escenarios. Destaca la necesidad de prepararnos para la acción mediante la implementación de protocolos de carácter internacional. Existe una tendencia hacia la atención biopsicosocial de las personas mayores en todos los entornos donde se encuentran, adecuando la atención y personalizando decisiones de ingresos hospitalarios, cuidados paliativos, atendiendo, entre otros criterios, a los años ajustados a la calidad de vida, así como alternativas para el monitoreo y tratamiento de la patología por COVID-19 y otras ya existentes. Son necesarias medidas de reducción de la transmisión del virus a través de la higiene y el distanciamiento, atendiendo a la salud biopsicosocial de los mayores aislados. Como alternativas innovadoras se propone la comunicación intersectorial, y el uso de herramientas tecnológicas, acompañado de una adecuada alfabetización digital en salud. Las líneas futuras se centran en garantizar los derechos sociales y sanitarios, equiparando al mismo nivel el sistema social y de salud, y consiguiendo una coordinación real. Un nuevo marco de atención centrada en la persona podría ser un gran aliado para conseguir una atención integrada a los mayores, guiada por un aumento de los recursos destinados a la financiación de proyectos de investigación sobre longevidad.

P091: Essential elements to implementing the paramedics providing palliative care at home program: an application of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)

Introduction: Providing comfort care support at home without transport to hospital has not traditionally been part of paramedic practice. The innovative Paramedics Providing Palliative Care at Home Program includes a new clinical practice guideline, medications, a database to share goals of care, and palliative care training. This study aimed to determine essential elements for scale and spread of this model of care through the application of an implementation science model, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Methods: Deliberative dialogue sessions were held with paramedic, palliative care, primary care, and administrative experts in a province that had the Program (Nova Scotia, March 2018) and one that had not (British Columbia, July 2018). Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. The CFIR was used as the foundation for a framework analysis, which was conducted by four team members independently. Themes were derived by consensus with the broader research team. Results: Inter-sectoral communication between paramedics and other health care providers was key, and challenging due to privacy concerns. Relationships with health care providers are critical to promoting the new model of care to patients, managing expectations, and providing follow up/ongoing care. Training was an essential characteristic of the intervention that can be adapted to suit local needs, although cost is a factor. There were challenges due to the culture and implementation climate as a shift in the mindset of paramedics away from traditional roles is required to implement the model. Paramedic champions can play an important role in shifting the mindset of paramedics towards a new way of practice Conclusion: The CFIR construct of cosmopolitanism, emphasizing the importance of breaking down silos and engaging diverse stakeholders, emerged as one of the most important. This will be helpful for successful scale and spread of the program.

УПРАВЛІННЯ ПЕРСОНАЛОМ ЯК ФАКТОР ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article studies theoretical approaches to ensuring the competitiveness of domestic enterprises and the definition of this economic category as a set of dynamic competitive advantages generated by effectively using the managerial, resource, technological, human, information and innovation-investment resources of the enterprise in the transformation conditions of the competitive environment of their development. In order to strengthen the competitive position of the company formed a system of factors to ensure the competitiveness of enterprises in the context of its main components (management, resource, technical and technological, personnel, information and innovation and investment resources). It is proved that the determining role in ensuring the competitiveness of domestic enterprises is played by its personnel component. The main directions of development of personnel of subjects of economic activity are revealed. The necessity of using a competence-based approach to ensuring the development of personnel of enterprises is substantiated. On the basis of the analysis of existing approaches to the systematization of the main competencies of personnel and given their transformational nature at the present stage, the key competencies are identified and the tools of their formation and development are disclosed. The most important today are defined competencies aimed at the formation of systemic and strategic thinking; intersectoral communication; project management and business processes; ensuring information and digital competence; the formation of multiculturalism and openness; ensuring effective teamwork; achieving high performance in transformational conditions and increasing the uncertainty of external changes. As effective tools for the development of competencies of personnel are defined such as: individual maps of development of competences; remote coaching and coaching technology; modular program development competencies of staff; digital learning platform for the intellectual development of staff, in particular the introduction of electronic corporate universities; the use of mentoring and the involvement of professional consultants.

Interface Problems Between Inpatient, GP and Outpatient Specialist Care: Viewpoint of General Practitioners in Dresden

The aim of the study was to identify interface problems between inpatient, GP and outpatient specialist care from the perspective of general practitioners in Dresden, especially in older multimorbid patients. The data were collected in the context of the pilot study "Multimedication and its Consequences for the Primary Care of Patients in Saxony" and included guided interviews with 7 general practitioners. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to the inductive content analysis of Mayring. At the interface of inpatient to outpatient care, several problems regarding discharge management, intersectoral communication and cooperation as well as in the management of medication were found. Concerning the interface between general practitioners and outpatient specialist care, problems were particularly marked with regard to free choice of doctors, appointment management, medical decision-making process, medication management as well as the use of the electronic health card. Regardless of the interfaces, the lack of communication could be worked out as a central challenge. There are several problems with all adjacent interfaces. What is striking here is the lack of communication and cooperation between all parties involved. Possible causes were the often very different working methods and framework conditions, human and material resources and therapeutic intentions and approaches between the different interfaces. One possible approach to improve the situation may be the law regarding secure digital communications and healthcare applications, which exists since 2016. Among other things, it promises a secure and rapid inter- and intrasectoral exchange of patient data. The overall goal of healthcare in Germany should be an optimized and process-oriented interface management in order to ensure a secure and seamless sectoral transition to patients.

Nurse-led multidisciplinary initiatives to improve outcomes and reduce hospital admissions for older adults: The Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration project.

This article describes the Care coordination through Emergency Department, Residential Aged Care and Primary Health Collaboration (CEDRiC) project. CEDRiC is designed to improve the health outcomes for older people with an acute illness. It attempts this via enhanced primary care in residential aged care facilities, focused and streamlined care in the emergency department and enhanced intersectoral communication and referral. Implementing this approach has the potential to decrease inappropriate hospital admissions while improving care for older people in residential aged care and community settings. This article discusses an innovative way of caring for older adults in an ageing population utilising the existing evidence. A formal evaluation is currently underway.

Attitudes Toward e-Health: The Otolaryngologists' Point of View.

Online communication and the number of e-health applications have noticeably increased. However, little is known about the otolaryngologists' use behavior and their attitudes toward the potential of e-health. The aims of the study were to evaluate the documentation, information, and communication technologies used by otolaryngologists and to get a better understanding of their attitudes toward the potential of e-health for cross-sectoral patient care. A survey was developed and tested by otolaryngologists, healthcare-information technology experts, and health services researchers. A total of 334 otolaryngologists in private practice were asked to participate in this cross-sectional study. In total, 234 of them took part in the study, and 157 returned completed questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed by using crosstabs, including chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regressions. Results and Materials: Digital technologies are widely used by otolaryngologists (e.g., 89.6% use an electronic health record). However, the majority of intersectoral communication is still based on analogue techniques (e.g., fax use in 63.7%). From the otolaryngologists' perspectives, the potential of e-health for intersectoral care is mostly in appointment scheduling, further referrals to hospitals, and automated appointment reminders. The physicians' attitudes toward e-health are associated with their Internet use behavior in daily life (odds ratio = 4.30, confidence interval 1.11-16.64, p = 0.035) but not with their demographics. The otolaryngologists are well prepared and have an overall positive attitude toward e-health for deeper use in cross-sectoral care. Therefore, e-health in otolaryngology needs more attention and resources for further studies, especially with a focus on quality and safety of care.

Prevalence, comorbidity and interdisciplinary treatment of rheumatoid arthritis - Insurance data on outpatient and inpatient care in Baden-Württemberg

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an increased number of comorbidities compared with the general population. Study aim was to collect epidemiological data on prevalence, incidence and comorbidities of RA as well as utilization of outpatient and inpatient care services. In an age and gender-adjusted case control study, a total of 3.4 million patients insured by the AOK Baden-Württemberg were analysed with respect to visits to physicians, prevalence, incidence and comorbidities of RA. The study was based on out- and inpatient diagnoses from 2013. The RA prevalence was 0.64% (n= 26,919), the incidence was 0.04%. Patients with RA have significant more comorbidities in almost all diagnosis groups, especially in musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases, compared to acontrol group (n= 181,209). 22.8% of RA patients had not contacted an internist rheumatologist, orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon. Biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were almost exclusively prescribed by internist rheumatologists, while conventional DMARDs were equally prescribed by general practitioners and rheumatologists. Of the RA patients 32.6% were hospitalized at least once ayear and were nearly twice as frequently inpatient as the control group. RApatients need more in- and outpatient healthcare services and suffer significantly more often from comorbidities. The general practitioner is the most frequently visited physician. Other consulted physicians are rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, orthopedists/orthopedic surgeons and internists not specialized in rheumatology. The study highlights the need to create consensus treatment algorithms and maintain aclose interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation and communication.

Effects of Sectoral Diversity on Community Coalition Processes and Outcomes.

Collaboration with diverse partners is challenging but essential for the implementation of prevention programs and policies. Increased communication with partners from diverse sectors may help community coalitions overcome the challenges that diversity presents. We examined these issues empirically in a study of 17 substance use prevention coalitions in Mexico. Building on coalition and workgroup literatures, we hypothesized that sectoral diversity would improve outcomes but undermine coalition processes. Conversely, we expected uniformly positive effects from higher levels of intersectoral communication. Data are from a 2015 survey of 211 members within the 17 community coalitions. Regression models used sectoral diversity and intersectoral communication to predict coalition processes (cohesion, leader-member communication, efficiency) and outcomes (community support, community improvement, sustainability planning). Sectoral diversity was negatively associated with coalition processes and was not associated with coalition outcomes. Intersectoral communication was positively associated with two of the three measures of coalition outcomes but not associated with coalition processes. Our findings concur with those from prior research indicating that sectoral diversity may undermine coalition processes. However, more communication between sectors may facilitate the coalition outcomes of community support and sustainability planning. Skilled team leaders and participatory decision making may also help coalitions promote intersectoral communication, thereby engaging diverse community sectors to implement preventive interventions and actualize sustained public health impact.

The potential of eHealth in otorhinolaryngology—head and neck surgery: patients’ perspectives

The use of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in daily life has significantly increased during the last several years. These essential online technologies have also found their way into the healthcare system. The use of modern ICT for health reasons can be summarized by the term 'eHealth'. Despite the potential importance of eHealth in the field of otorhinolaryngology (ORL), there is little understanding of patients' attitudes towards the deeper integration of these technologies into intersectoral care. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of patients' attitudes towards the use of modern ICT for intersectoral communication and information transfer in the field of ORL. Therefore, a structured interview was developed by an interdisciplinary team of otorhinolaryngologists, public health researchers, and information technology (IT) specialists. Overall, 211 ORL patients were interviewed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tuebingen University Hospital, Germany, and 203 of these patients completed the interview. This study revealed ORL patients' perspectives on the potential of eHealth, especially for appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, and intersectoral communication of personal medical information. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that data security and the impacts of eHealth on the physician-patient relationship and on treatment quality warrant special attention in future research.

Health, family strains, dependency, and life satisfaction of older adults

Using stress process theory and structural equation modelling, this study investigated the complex relationship between health status, family strain, dependency, and the life satisfaction of rural older adults with reported functional impairments in India. Data were extracted from a large-scale study of 903 randomly selected adults aged 61 years and older from 30 rural clusters of India. The sample for this study was confined to 653 older adults who reported functional impairments. Structural equation modelling showed that poor health status indirectly lowered the life satisfaction of older adults through family strains. Moreover, poor health status also indirectly influenced life satisfaction through dependency and family strain (poor health→dependency→family strains→life satisfaction). The findings indicate that for professionals who deal with the health of older adults, exploring relationship strains and dependency is vital to the assessment and intervention of subjective wellbeing. Inter-sectoral coordination and communication between healthcare and social service agencies might facilitate effective management of health problems among older adults. Moreover, taking family strains and dependency into account when caring for older adults with health problems is critical to help improve their quality of life and maintain their wellbeing.

Eliminating Dog-Mediated Rabies in Sikkim, India: A 10-Year Pathway to Success for the SARAH Program.

A third of the world rabies burden is in India. The Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) program is the first state-wide rabies program in India and demonstrates a successful One Health model of dog-mediated rabies elimination. The SARAH program was created in 2006 as a collaboration between the Government of Sikkim and international non-government organizations—Vets Beyond Borders and Fondation Brigitte Bardot. Activities are directed to canine rabies vaccination, humane dog population control, community education, and treatment of sick and injured animals. In 2005, there were 0.74 human rabies deaths per 100,000 (4 deaths) within Sikkim, and from 2006 to 2015, there were no human rabies deaths. In 2016, two human rabies deaths were reported near the West Bengal border region. From 2005 to 2010, the incidence of animal rabies is unknown; from 2010 to 2016, eight cases of animal rabies were reported. Major challenges for the program are continued commitment to rabies control in the face of 0 to low human rabies incidence and the risk of rabies incursions. Effective intersectoral communication between Health, Veterinary, Forestry, and Police officers is essential to enable rapid response to animal bite incidents and possible rabies incursions. An integrated One Health approach needs to be maintained with enhanced active rabies surveillance. Other states must establish similar programs if India is ever to achieve a goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies.

Educational affordances and learning design in music software development

Although music software has become increasingly affordable and widely adopted in today’s classrooms, concerns have been raised about a lack of consideration for users’ needs during the software development process. This paper examines intra- and inter-sectoral communication pertaining to software development and music education to shed light on the improvement of the educational affordances for music software in classroom teaching and learning. Semi-structured interviews with music software developers (n = 3) and music teachers (n = 15) are used to gain insights into how to enhance the educational affordances of music software. The findings of this study fill a gap in the literature by detailing the knowledge exchange required to effectively develop music education software. Improving the synergy between the knowledge bases of software development and music education could enhance novel educational affordances, providing music teachers with the opportunity to develop new, pedagogically sound music teaching and learning activities.