Communication Support Research Articles

Results of Maritime Spatial Planning in the EU

The paper discusses the main results of the development of maritime spatial planning (MSP) in the European Union by 2023. The study aims to evaluate the experience and developments of the EU in this specific area. Methodologically the analysis is based on regulatory documents, which establish the requirements of the MSP for its coastal member countries. Information from official EU sources on specialised projects and programs has been studied and summarised. The author drew a number of conclusions complementing the latest Russian research in the field of modern marine management. It is argued that by now the EU has created conditions for the planning of certain marine areas for various types of marine activities, provided political, institutional, financial, information, and communication support for such actions. At the same time, the EU is largely focused on cross-border cooperation. An important result for the EU was the organisational factor, within which the management contour of the MSP processes for individual territorial administrative units (country, marine region/subregion, European Union) is being built. The proven algorithms provide the EU with the opportunity to become one of the main global actors that regulate the promotion of MSP technologies in various areas of the World’s ocean.

The experiences of cardiovascular surgeons and nurses with mutual support through interprofessional collaboration in the intensive care unit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for radical approaches in its Global Patient Safety Action Plan, particularly in terms of interprofessional and multidisciplinary approaches. The plan highlights the importance of providing training on patient safety for all professionals, focusing on team and task-based strategies that include bedside and simulation education. TeamSTEPPS® (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) is an educational programme developed to teach health care professionals on specific tools and strategies to enhance basic teamwork skills. Mutual support, one of the teamwork skills described in TeamSTEPPS®, involves team members assisting one another, providing and receiving feedback on performance, and advocating assertively when patient safety is threatened. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of cardiovascular surgeons and nurses with mutual support through interprofessional collaboration in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Hacettepe University. The study employed a basic qualitative research design. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analysed with inductive content analysis in accordance with Elo and Kyngäs. We used the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist to describe and report the components of study design. We interviewed 13 participants: 6 surgeons and 7 nurses. Six themes were identified: mutual support, positiveness of working in a supportive environment, feedback, effective communication, patient safety and conflict resolution. The results of our study revealed that intra/inter-professional collaboration and mutual trust based on the variety of individual and workplace-related factors improved patient safety through individual motivation while monitoring and supporting each other in a positive environment, providing feedback and encouraging effective communication, patient advocacy and conflict resolution. Exploring the experiences, challenges and successes of health care workers in interprofessional collaboration is crucial. Understanding team dynamics, communication barriers and collaboration strategies can help promote more effective teamwork and contribute to the development of plans to improve the quality of patient care.

Facilitators, barriers, and strategies for supporting shared decision-making with people with intellectual disability: A West Australian primary healthcare professional perspective

ABSTRACT Background Shared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability. Method Ten purposively sampled primary healthcare professionals participated in semi-structured interviews. This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis. Findings were compared with a proposed model of factors influencing triadic (the person with intellectual disability, their caregiver and the healthcare professional) SSDM. Results Five factor categories emerged: previous training/experience; engagement and trust; effective collaboration with caregivers; organisational culture and contexts; and familiarity/confidence with communication support strategies and resources. Conclusions Healthcare professionals can leverage pre-existing skills and knowledge, but provision of targeted professional development may reduce anxiety and increase successful SSDM.

Assessing Adherence to Lifestyle Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Assessment of Psychological, Social and Clinical Determinants

Purpose: This study aims to systematically evaluate the multidimensional determinants of lifestyle change compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes, establish a prediction model integrating psychological, social and clinical characteristics, and provide a theoretical basis for the development of personalized intervention strategies. Methods: Mixed research methods were used, including cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n=300) and in-depth interviews (n=30). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between psychological factors (self-efficacy, health beliefs, etc.), social support system, clinical indicators and compliance. Thematic analysis was used to explore patients' subjective experiences and barriers. Results: The study found that compliance was significantly related to multiple factors, including: (1) psychological resilience and self-management ability; (2) family support and quality of doctor-patient communication; (3) disease severity and complications. The established predictive model explained 60% of the variation in compliance. Conclusion: This study shows that improving the compliance of patients with type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes requires a multi-level intervention strategy that focuses on psychological empowerment, optimization of support systems, and personalized clinical management. This comprehensive model provides new ideas for clinical practice.

Public health nurses' caring behaviour can increase homecare patients' satisfaction

Background: Caring behavior plays a vital role in the nursing profession, especially in public health settings. In-home care services, where patients receive medical attention in the comfort of their homes, the quality of care and patient satisfaction depends heavily on the nurse's ability to exhibit caring behavior. Objective: This study aims to analyze and identify the relationship between the caring behavior of public health nurses and the level of patient satisfaction in homecare services. Methods: In this study, the design used is a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional study approach. According to the formula found by Isaac and Micheal, the population in this study amounted to 402 respondents, so a sample of 162 respondents was obtained. The sampling technique was Probability Sampling with a proportional random sampling type. Results: Based on the results of the cross-tabulation that has been carried out between caring behavior and patient satisfaction using the Fisher Exact test statistical test, the result is in the form of a p-value of 0.001 with a significant level of <0.05 and with this value (0.001) means less than the value a (0.05). It can indicate that Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected, and it can be concluded that caring behavior can increase patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Researchers suggest that the caring behavior of public health nurses has a vital role in increasing patient satisfaction with homecare services. Nurses can help patients feel more comfortable and supported in their home environment through more personalised attention, effective communication, and emotional support. This contributes directly to increased patient satisfaction, which feels valued and cared for holistically in home care.

A Reflective Account of Character-Based Professional Learning in Higher Education

This manuscript will reflect on the planning and development of professional learning opportunities provided to diverse university stakeholders on character education and virtue formation. While reflecting on the approach to the project, planning logistics and content development are explored explicitly. An evaluation exploring training modalities, attendance, arrangement, and feedback were used to gain insight and guide the authors in their reflective practice. The reflective narrative and evaluation of ideas led to a decision about the factors that aided the project's implementation. In future professional learning opportunities, determining attendees' prior knowledge of the content and additional internal support for communication and development plans is key. While evaluating how to implement professional learning opportunities focused on character, the planning and development process were explored; in coming to a decision, the reflective criteria of responsibility, open-mindedness, and wholeheartedness were focal points. Keywords: reflection, readiness attitudes, planning, professional learning opportunities, planning and development

Prestasi Mahasiswa Berstatus Nikah pada Masa Studi di Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

This study aims to explore the motivations, impacts, and academic achievements of students who marry while pursuing their studies at the Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara. The research uses a qualitative approach with data collection through interviews, observations, and documentation. Primary data was obtained from interviews with five students who married during their studies, while secondary data was gathered from relevant literature and journals. The findings reveal that the main motivations for students to marry during their studies are to avoid zina (adultery), uphold religious commitments, and prepare for family life. The impact of marriage includes difficulties in balancing study time with household responsibilities, but students report receiving positive emotional support from their spouses. On the other hand, some students face challenges in completing their studies on time and experience disagreements with their spouses. Their academic achievements vary, with some students graduating on time, although there were delays in thesis work and class attendance. This study provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by married students, as well as the importance of social support and effective communication with spouses to overcome these obstacles.

Peran Komunikasi Verbal dan Nonverbal Dalam Dukungan Sosial Teman Sebaya Terhadap Resiliensi Mahasiswa

This study examines the role of verbal and non-verbal communication in peer social support and its impact on student resilience, an area that is still rarely studied. Academic and social challenges during lectures demand high resilience, and peer support is believed to strengthen this resilience. This study uses a quantitative approach and survey method, data from 15-20 students of various study programs at the Balikpapan College of Economics was collected through an online questionnaire covering aspects of demography, communication, and resilience. The analysis of the research data was carried out in a descriptive manner. The results showed that verbal communication, such as motivation, as well as non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, were significant in supporting resilience. The combination of these two forms of communication helps students cope with academic stress. These findings propose a communication-based mentoring program in educational institutions to improve student resilience and psychological well-being

Effectiveness of WhatsApp as an academic tutoring tool in the academic performance of university students

The use of WhatsApp has emerged as a crucial tool in the academic field, especially among university students, where its influence on academic performance is a topic of growing interest. This article aims to demonstrate how WhatsApp influences academic performance through academic tutoring in university students. The study sample consisted of 167 university students from three professional programs. Three research instruments were applied: an initial questionnaire, a satisfaction survey, and a grade record. The results reveal that the effective use of WhatsApp in academic tutoring offers advantages such as effective communication between peers and tutor, versatility in sharing files, and carrying out various group activities such as messaging, video calls, and conference calls. However, disadvantages were also evident, such as the distraction the app can cause when students do not manage their time properly or engage in non-academic activities. In conclusion, it is established that the use of WhatsApp in academic tutoring positively influences the academic performance of university students, demonstrating that its integration into educational processes can enhance communication and academic support, which has significant implications for educational practice and the development of more effective teaching strategies.

Promoting Public Managerial Sustainability: The Relevance of Social Support For Managers Coping With Work-Related Stress

Statistics reveal the concerning prevalence of mental health issues among Swedish public sector managers, highlighting the critical need for deeper insights into the relevance of social support in coping with work-related stress. This study aims to examine the relevance of various sources of social support for managers coping with work-related stress, an area relatively underexplored in public administration research. Data was collected using a survey completed by 172 managers working in Sweden. The results show that supervisory support, the support of a network of managers within the organisation, and a supportive communication climate were all significant predictors of how stress levels are coped with. Notably, the support of a network of managers within the organisation emerged as the most influential predictor. This study contributes, both theoretically and practically, by offering indicative insights into how organisations can support managers in managing their work-related stress.

Randomized Trial of the Four Supports Intervention for Surrogate Decision Makers in Intensive Care Units.

Individuals acting as surrogate decision-makers for critically ill patients frequently struggle in this role and experience high levels of long-term psychological distress. Prior interventions designed solely to improve information sharing between clinicians and family members have been ineffective. To examine the impact of a multicomponent family support intervention on patient and family outcomes Methods: Patient-level randomized clinical trial at 6 intensive care units (ICUs) in a healthcare system in Pennsylvania. An external interventionist interacted daily with surrogate decision-makers of incapacitated, critically ill patients at high risk of death or severe long-term functional impairment to deliver four types of protocolized support during the ICU stay-emotional support, communication support, decisional support, and, if indicated, anticipatory grief support. The control condition involved usual care plus two brief education sessions about critical illness. Primary outcome: surrogates' score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at 6 months (range 0-42). 444 surrogates of 291 patients were enrolled (233 surrogates in intervention and 211 in control). The Four Supports intervention was delivered with high fidelity (frequency of per protocol delivery of key intervention elements 97.1%; quality rating of intervention delivery 2.9 ± 0.2 on a 1-3 scale, with higher scores indicating higher quality of intervention delivery). There was no intervention effect on the primary outcome, surrogates' HADS total scores at 6-month follow-up (β=0.06; CI: -0.07-0.19; p=0.35), nor on the prespecified secondary outcomes. Among critically ill patients at high risk of death or functional impairment, a family support intervention delivered by an external interventionist did not reduce surrogates' long-term psychological symptom burden. Clinical trial registration available at www. gov, ID: NCT01982877.

Violence against healthcare professionals: perspective of local focal points in the south of Portugal

BackgroundViolence against health professionals is a growing problem that affects the quality of care provided and the well-being of workers. In the Alentejo region (Southern Portugal), the Regional Health Administration has been developing strategies to prevent and combat this phenomenon, namely, through the implementation of the Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence in the Health Sector. Violence in the health sector includes all situations in which a worker in the Ministry of Health's health institutions is exposed to any type of violence related to their work, putting their safety, well-being or health at risk, or that of others. The aim of this study was to analyze the perceptions and practices of local focal points (e.g.,departments, services, offices or functional units) on violence against health professionals in the Alentejo region.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were carried out local focal points in the Alentejo region. The sampling was selected for convenience from different health units. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to the analysis protocol of the IRaMuTeQ software (Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires) version 0.7 alpha 2.ResultsIn total, 43 interviews were conducted between February and April 2024. Interviews revealed that local focal points face various challenges in combating violence against health workers. The lack of specific training, the scarcity of security resources and the culture of underreporting were some of the obstacles identified. However, participants also stressed the importance of teamwork, effective communication and institutional support in dealing with this problem.ConclusionsViolence against health professionals is a worrying reality that requires effective measures to prevent and combat it, requiring a coordinated and multifaceted response. Local focal points play a key role in this process, but they need adequate training, resources and institutional support. Comprehensive and regular training programs on violence, interpersonal communication and conflict management, and investment in security resources, including physical and technological measures, should be implemented in health facilities. Clear protocols should be created for dealing with situations of violence and a culture of reporting situations of violence to health professionals should be promoted, as well as the monitoring of victims by the authorities involved in cases of violence. Ongoing training and the simulation of real-life scenarios are crucial for preparing professionals to effectively manage situations of violence.

Partisan winds: Group-level polarization and issue-framing propel attitudes about local wind farms

Political polarization is an obstacle to public support and effective communication for renewable energy projects. Depolarizing messages can be helpful, but it is difficult to determine where to concentrate efforts until social scientists first disentangle the effects of unconscious issue-based and conscious group norm-based polarization processes. This study investigates the extent to which attitudes towards wind energy development are polarized in the United States, focusing on attitudes about local wind farms. We tested different frames in a survey with 1300 U.S. participants, combining implicit and explicit attitude measures to measure unconscious and conscious attitudes towards nearby wind farms, respectively. Our findings suggest that explicit attitudes towards wind farms are more polarized than implicit attitudes, emphasizing the role of conscious processes in shaping attitudes. Furthermore, perceptions of within-party support significantly influence explicit attitudes, indicating the importance of group norm-based polarization in this context. While our framing interventions aimed at addressing issue-based polarization yielded mixed results, the moderating effect of perceived within-party support underscores the potential efficacy of interventions targeting group-level processes. Regarding policy implications, our findings highlight the importance of considering both issue-based and group norm-based polarization when developing and implementing communication strategies for garnering local support for nearby renewable energy developments.

Quantifying and Visualizing Severe Thunderstorm Motion Uncertainty for Improved Decision Support

Abstract Forecasts and observations of thunderstorm motion are key components of severe thunderstorm communication and decision support for preparedness and protective behaviors, as all National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) convective watches and NWS warnings contain information about storm translational speed and direction of motion. The goal of this research was to quantify uncertainty in thunderstorm motion using the information contained in NWS watch and warning products. Analyzing severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings from 2008 to 2020, we matched and compared forecasted storm motions given in NWS warnings with those given in SPC watches. Translational speed deviations between watches and warnings exhibited symmetry, with about one-third of warning speeds falling within ±2.5 m s−1 of forecasts. Directional deviations were also symmetrical, with one-third of warning directions within ±9° of forecasts. However, when stratified to account for translational speed, the comparisons revealed greater directional uncertainty for slower-moving storms. Temporal analysis revealed faster and rightward translations in warnings during the latter half of watch durations. Using the distributions of speed and directional deviations, we developed new visualizations to represent both mean storm motion vectors and associated uncertainty sectors, aiding interpretation of motion uncertainties. Quantifiable storm motion uncertainty also can inform estimated ranges of storm arrival times, potentially enhancing NWS communication and decision support with key partners and a range of publics for safer outcomes during severe weather events.

Flexibility and Legal Protection of Labor Relations: Telework, Flexible Employment and Workers' Rights and Interests

This study focuses on the changes in labor relations under the model of telework, analyzing the increased flexibility it brings and the security challenges it creates. Although telework breaks down geographical boundaries and enhances work efficiency, it also raises new issues about the stability of labor relations, occupational safety and health, and the protection of workers' rights and interests. The study emphasizes that a sound legal system, cutting-edge technological support and efficient communication mechanisms are the core of balancing flexibility and safety. Through an in-depth discussion of the characteristics of telework, case studies and targeted policy recommendations, this study aims to provide theoretical support and practical paths for the healthy development of telework, and to promote its sustainable progress driven by both technology and market.

Understanding the Challenges of Advocacy Communication, Social Mobilization, and Operationalization for COVID-19 and Routine Immunization in Nigeria.

The primary goal of program communication in public health is to influence behaviors. It also aims to raise awareness and ultimately improve health outcomes. Under the umbrella of program communication exist three interconnected, interrelated, and mutually supportive communication aspects: advocacy, communication, and social mobilization (ACSM). While advocacy involves promoting political dedication and holding authorities accountable for fulfilling commitments and achieving success, social mobilization brings together various sectors and individuals to raise awareness and demand for a specific program. This study aimed to understand the operationalization and challenges of ACSM activities among health workers addressing COVID-19 and routine immunization in Nigeria. The study used a qualitative study design. In-depth interviews were conducted among health workers in the ACSM unit of the state's primary health care system, using a two-tier approach. The recorded interviews were transcribed in Microsoft Word format by professional transcribers and coded using Dedoose. A total of 38 health care workers across six states were selected to participate in this study. Our study found that ACSM coordination structures existed across the six states. Routine ACSM activities were either funded by the government or local development partners implementing programs. Lack of technological devices, unavailability of funds, unavailability of data tools, and lack of technological skills are major barriers to ACSM operationalization. This study highlighted the critical role of government and agency funding in sustaining ACSM activities. However, barriers that hinder the effective operationalization of ACSM efforts remain. Therefore, the results support the need for strategic investment in technology, staff capacity building, and appropriate resource allocation to overcome these barriers.

Does Social Media Make Tourists More like Special Forces? The Impact of Supportive Communication on Generation Z’s Intention to Engage in Special Forces-Style Tourism

In the post-COVID-19 era, tourism and cultural industries have begun to bounce back, and their “revenge tourism” desire has forced “Special Forces-style tourism”, which was popularized throughout Chinese social media in 2023. This study explores a current knowledge gap in understanding how social media inspires Generation Z’s engagement in Special Forces tourism and implications for practical sustainable tourism. By leaning on the SOR model, Social Identity Theory, and Social Learning Theory, this study investigates how supportive and interactive social media environments shape the sustainable engagement intentions of Generation Z. We experimentally find that perceived supportive communication about sustainability issues significantly inflates sustainable engagement intentions in high-interactivity settings, by encouraging flow experiences and vicarious reinforcement that facilitate socially responsible travel decisions. Key findings include identification of supportive online interactions that can facilitate sustainable tourism among born-digital travelers, who enable informed, socially and environmentally responsible tourism behaviors.

E-Learning Methodology: Technology and Livelihood Education Teachers’ Affordances and Limitations

This study aimed to explore the implementation of E-learning methodology based on the perspective of TLE teachers. This study employed a phenomenological research design which aims to determine the experiences and perceptions of the seven (7) participants. Three themes emerged from the experiences of TLE teachers in implementing the E- learning methodology. The three themes were flexibility and convenience, delayed communication and unavailability of technical support from teachers. Meanwhile, on the coping mechanism of teachers the themes generated were willing to take professional development, addressing technical problems at a different angle and utilizing more mechanisms towards efficient communication. Further, the following are the themes generated from the insights drawn from the experiences of the teachers which were realistic optimism, provision of authentic learning, and collaboration and cooperation. The results implied that school administrators design teachers’ readiness program on E-learning methodology based on the empirical results of this study. Moreover, the results generated provided comprehensive data in conducting future research with similar or relevant scope. This will yield advantageous findings tailored to the organization and hierarchical context of the education sector.

Opportunities and challenges associated with the launch of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study to explore community pharmacists' perspectives.

In February 2022, a novel antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), was approved by Health Canada and made available to patients in British Columbia (BC). BC community pharmacists did not prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, but dispensing involved a detailed assessment with close attention to drug-drug interactions and patient monitoring. As the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service was unique in BC, and not all pharmacists participated in the program, it is important to evaluate the perspectives of all the pharmacists who were affected so that lessons learned from the program can inform future pandemic planning and government initiatives. A qualitative research study using key informant semistructured interviews was conducted. Community pharmacists with varying degrees of experience with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were recruited using multiple methods of recruitment through e-mail and fax invitations and social media posts. Open-ended questions explored pharmacists' experiences with the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir program, including barriers and facilitators to dispensing it, and recommendations for future pharmacy initiatives. Forty-three community pharmacists participated in the study. Most participants were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and had practiced for less than 10 years. Thematic analysis yielded 36 codes that were organized into 3 overarching themes related to the following: learning; in-process experiences, supports, difficulties; and perceptions about the expanded scope of practice. The following strategies may be helpful to consider including in future initiatives: preprinted forms, a hotline for peer support, slower rollouts, a single source for communicating changes, a patient portal, addressing the divisions between dispensary and clinical work, and having specialized positions to support future rollouts. Lessons learned from the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service included a slower approach to program initiation with additional training opportunities and more streamlined prescription options. Pharmacists also wished for better communication support and involvement in the planning of future initiatives.

How Does Secure-base Leadership Influence Employee Well-being?

To improve their operations in fast-paced business environment, organizations need leaders who embed the required changes into corporate strategy and implement it accordingly to maintain competitive edge. However, organizational change is disruptive and have a significant impact on employee well-being, unfortunately, the literature does not provide a comprehensive answer on what kind of leadership can be more effective to support employee well-being in environmental uncertainty. To ensure a smooth transition in dynamic environment, among several influential leadership styles, recent research found that employee well-being in the organization can be improved through secure-base leadership. Since, secure-base leadership recognizes the value of employees and provide them with secure-base support in organization. However, the literature is silent on the attributes of secure-base leadership. Therefore, to explore the attributes of secure-base leadership and how these attributes affect employee overall well-being, the study conducted a thematic analysis, data was purposively collected via interview from eight respondents. The study found that secure-base leadership is characterized by the elements such as (1) autonomy to make decisions (2) maintaining healthy work life balance (3) open communication (4) handling conflicts (5) recognizing and appreciating employees (6) promoting employees wellbeing and mental health (7) collaboration and teamwork and (8) working on a challenging project, among others. All these attributes are positively related to employee overall well-being, for example secure-base leaders fulfil employee psychological needs by providing autonomy through trust and empowerment, fostering competence through feedback and development opportunities, and promoting relatedness through open communication and interpersonal support. Fulfilment of employee psychological needs positively affect intrinsic motivation which in turn lead to higher level of job satisfaction and employee overall well-being. Findings of the current study enriches the literature on the relationship between secure-base leadership and employees well-beings. Further, the study shed light on key attributes possess by secure-base leaders, therefore, HR manager should formulate selection criteria for mangers in which priority should be given to candidates with secure-base leadership attributes.