scholarly journals Communicating with medical library users during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Haugh

Background: The Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library serves a community of over 22,000 individuals primarily from the Yale Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing and the Yale New Haven Hospital. Though they are geographically close to one another, reaching these disparate populations can be a challenge. Having a clear and thorough communication plan has proved invaluable in transcending communication chasms, especially in recent times of crisis.Case Presentation: This article describes the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library’s methods for communicating and promoting its remote resources and services in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It details our communication strategies and messages leading up to, and after, the Yale campus was closed and specifies how we pivoted from reaching users inside the library to reaching our audiences remotely.Conclusions: Our communication plan has provided the foundation for all of our messaging, be it print or digital media. In recent moments of crisis, it has been especially helpful for planning and executing large scale messaging. Similarly, knowing whom to contact around our organization to promote our message in different and broader ways has been extremely beneficial. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.

Author(s):  
Vladimir Filippov

The article discusses a large scale transformation of information and communication strategies of for-profit business organizations under the influence of the 4-th industrial revolution, global pandemia of coronavirus, instability in the economic system, rapid transition of business community to online communications, aimed at restoring dialogue with target audiences. The research analyzed basic parameters of the updated business communications model used in PR, advertising, social and event marketing to promote new ideas, products and services at the turn of 2019–2021. The subject of a separate study was the sharply increased influence of marketing on the determination of the basic parameters of the complex of modern communications, caused by the swift adaptation of business plans to new economic realities and social life with the introduction of lockdowns and quarantine measures. We examined structural elements of integrated marketing communications that have undergone the greatest corrections are studied: target audiences, stakeholders, messages, instruments, resources, and communication channels. A separate section is devoted to the specifics of recruiting micro-influencers as an effective communication channel and human resource for for-profit organizations, as well as opening new positions for managers responsible for communicating in social media and creating brand support communities in PR departments. Based on the extensive data of recent years, opinions and forecasts of leading modern Russian and foreign experts from national and international professional communities in the field of business communications, as well as on a personal experience of practical work in Russian PR agencies, the author assesses the strengths of the updated information and communication strategies. He identified problems and shortcomings associated with sharp restriction on offline public events and transition to digital media platforms. In conclusion, the author points out that a reduction in the share of traditional media in the overall balance of communication channels and an increase in priority of new digital media platforms will lead to the formation of a universal hybrid communication model in the post-pandemic period, which will require a new generation of business communicators with practical skills and competencies that conform to new digital market realities.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakirthi Yerram ◽  
Shraddha Kansagra ◽  
Osama Abdelghany

Background Denosumab therapy is commonly used for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastasis. However, a common side effect of denosumab is hypocalcemia. Objective The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients receiving denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events in bone metastasis and evaluate risk factors for developing hypocalcemia. Methods This was a retrospective medication use evaluation reviewing the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients receiving outpatient denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events at Yale–New Haven Hospital. Additionally, various risk factors were reviewed to determine their risk of developing hypocalcemia. Results As per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03, of the 106 patients included in the study population, 37 (35%) patients had an incidence of hypocalcemia within 30 days of denosumab administration. Fourteen patients (13.2%) had an incidence of grade 1, 13 patients (12.3%) had an incidence of grade 2 hypocalcemia, and 7 patients (6.6%) had an incidence of grade 3 hypocalcemia. Grade 4 hypocalcemia occurred in three (2.8%) patients. Calcium supplementation did not decrease the risk of developing hypocalcemia. Patients who had one or more episodes of acute kidney insufficiency were at a higher risk of developing hypocalcemia (odds ratio = 7.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.8–36.3), p = 0.001). Conclusion This study found that the overall incidence of hypocalcemia and severe hypocalcemia was higher than reported in clinical trials. Additionally, calcium supplementation did not have an effect on incidence of hypocalcemia, while patients who experienced acute kidney insufficiency while on denosumab had a higher likelihood of developing hypocalcemia.


2021 ◽  
pp. 097325862098117
Author(s):  
Hye-Jin Paek ◽  
Thomas Hove

This case study highlights several communication insights that have emerged from the South Korean national response to COVID-19. In particular, it focuses on how innovative disease control programmes and information and communications technologies (ICT) have been used in conjunction with appropriate message strategies. The South Korean government used ICTs in a variety of ways to enhance crisis communication, coordinate large-scale public health efforts and supply chains, and facilitate widespread adoption of preventive measures such as social distancing and mask wearing. The response and communication strategies were based on principles established by research in social sciences and recommended for pandemic response, including social marketing, crisis communication, and normative influence. South Korea’s COVID-19 response and communication strategies can provide useful insights for national efforts to manage COVID-19 and other possible future infectious disease outbreaks.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 961-963
Author(s):  
RICHARD B. MINK ◽  
MURRAY M. POLLACK

Although issues concerning withdrawal and limitation of life support are commonly discussed,1-6 actual practices in pediatrics are largely unknown and are limited to neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) studies. In the neonatal ICUs at Yale-New Haven Hospital and at Hammersmith Hospital, 14% and 30%, respectively, of all deaths followed withdrawal of care.7,8 In adult ICUs, limitation and/or withdrawal of therapy is common,9 and in one investigation, resuscitation was not attempted immediately before ICU death in nearly two-thirds of cases.10 Nonetheless, many physicians believe that most hospital deaths occur only after all resuscitative attempts have failed,6,11,12 and others believe that resuscitative efforts neither are indicated nor desirable in many cases.1,13


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1948 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
AUGUSTA STUART CLAY

THIS study was made in the belief that family living and growth can be healthier if parents understand how mother and baby develop and what they need. Eleven mothers were visited weekly for two months before and after the birth of their firstborn to discover what guidance they wanted, what was offered, and what additional guidance was needed. The writer secured their cooperation by agreeing to work with them as a consultant, to interpret their point of view to the doctor, to explain medical instructions when permitted, and to teach the normal growth processes of mother and baby. Ten mothers were registered in the prenatal clinics of the New Haven Hospital; the eleventh had a private physician. They had no recorded problems beyond the needs of healthy pregnancy and they wanted to participate. Eight husbands agreed to take part in the study. The other three were overseas, but their wives reported for them. Backgrounds varied; 20 of the 22 had had college or high school education; all were between 18 and 32. None dropped out, and after the four months all asked for continued guidance. Cases were too few and the study too brief for statistical evidence. But problems were uncovered which needed to be considered and which have largely been neglected in routine obstetric and pediatric care. These parents wanted to learn—not in classes, but in the privacy of home—how to care for mother and baby without disrupting their accustomed way of living. All wanted the care and interest of one doctor for mother and one for baby. However, six women and five men preferred to talk with a consultant who was not a doctor, but who was affiliated with their doctors. The doctors seemed too busy for "little things" and "family affairs," and they saw so many doctors that they all seemed strangers. Once they felt sure that the consultant's interest was in themselves rather than in teaching them, they set the pace and pattern in the conference. There was no questionnaire, no probing, no set procedure. If they had any immediate interests or problems: job, move, presents, trips, in-laws, illness—these were discussed before they talked of pregnancy and baby.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-124
Author(s):  
Isaac Joseph Muthotho ◽  
Winnie Ndeta Otsiulah ◽  
Geoffrey Serede Sikolia

Globally, differentiation strategies and corporate communication plan inform corporate communication strategies, for disseminating disease surveillance research outcomes. Study respondents are also stakeholders in research outcomes alongside the scientific community. This study examined differentiation strategies and corporate communication plans, as corporate communication strategies for dissemination of research outcomes at KEMRI. It also investigated the influence of the corporate communication plan in place for dissemination of disease surveillance research outcomes to study respondents at KEMRI. The study employed a purposive sampling design utilizing mixed methods using self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interview guides. The study adopted the pragmatic research paradigm. This case study utilised descriptive study design to collect primary data. The study was anchored on excellence theory and complimented by communication theory. The Krejcie Morgan table was utilised to determine a sample size of 76. Data was collected from a response rate of 79 per cent. From a target population of 76, the researcher purposively selected 60 respondents. The study findings were differentiation strategies (48.3%) and corporate communication plan (51.7 per cent). Recommendations on the communication plan comprised: elevation of Corporate Affairs (CA) to top management, to manage the communication plan for disseminating research outcomes. KEMRI to incorporate a communication plan for scientists and CA, for translating research jargon to research respondents and other stakeholders. Enhancement of differentiation strategies by continually maintaining image, identity and corporate visual identity (CVI). Empower CA to manage media relations, identity, reputation, and media audits. Propagate unified consistence in messaging, identifying KEMRI as an authority in communicating research outcomes. The study concluded that study respondents felt ignored during dissemination research outcomes at KEMRI, Nairobi. The findings enhanced the body of knowledge on, corporate communication strategies incorporating study respondents as stakeholders in research outcomes dissemination.


Author(s):  
Sonia de Sa

Feminist movements are currently asserting themselves by the capacity of involvement and aggregation of activists and the public identified with the feminist cause, who have in common both the struggle for women's rights and the spaces where they create existence and attribute dimension to that struggle: digital social networks. The purpose of this article is to understand the communication strategies, supported by dialogue, that underlie this aggregation and sharing of meaning when it comes to feminism and its close connection with the fight for gender equality, the end of gender violence or the eradication of racism. Based on the theoretical review on networked PR (Grunig, 2009; Kent, 2017), networked dialogue (Theunissen & Wan Noordin, 2011; Smith & Taylor, 2017; and networked feminism (Fullagar, Parry and Johnson, 2019; Keller, Mendes & Ringrose, 2018; Araüna, Willem & Tortajada, 2019; Yang, Uysal & Taylor, 2017), we applied content analysis (Bardin, 2006) to publications and digital interactions on two Portuguese feminist platforms. Thus, in an adaptation of the model proposed by Lane and Kent (2018) - Dialogic Engagement Interaction - this exploratory study analyzes the dialogical involvement of Coletiva and INMUNE - Instituto da Mulher Negra de Portugal. The analysis results, however, shows a low level of dialogical involvement between organizations and their audiences and, consequently, a reduced collective force to stop online hate clusters with increasing protagonism and with highly technological and effective modus operandi. Thus, the outcomes indicate that the two platforms analyzed do not apply communication strategies through dialogue, limiting exchanges between the organization and the public to the classic top-down communication option, summarizing the practice of dialogical involvement in social digital media to the publication unidirectional content and openness to comments and other reactions. As for the hypotheses raised, only one of them was validated, taking into account that 1) there was no significant dialogical involvement in the content analysis of the two feminist platforms, and 2) although we were unable to verify in the content analysis of the two feminist platforms, the theoretical review validated the idea that online anti-feminist and hate clusters can be fought by online anti-feminist and anti-hate clusters with the same effectiveness in spreading messages as the former. And here, the networked PR must take the strategic and tactical leadership of the action. This work also proposes a model for the analysis of dialogical involvement in digital social networks based on the broader initial proposal of Lane and Kent (2018). The model we propose comprises six categories: 1) existence of comment(s), sharing(s) and / or emoji(s); 2) existence of comment(s) and answer(s); 3) existence of dialogue (with the five dialogical principles: mutuality, propinquity, empathy, risk and commitment; see in Kent, 2017).; 4) existence of freedom to choose the theme and the dialogical flow (when both parts – public and organization – are given freedom to choose the topic and flow of dialogue); 5) without agenda or manipulation (when there is no intention to put issues on the agenda, essentially, those that indicate manipulation); and 6) rhetorical (when a persuasion strategy is applied by both parts participating in the dialogue).


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Stejskal ◽  
Petr Hajek ◽  
Viktor Prokop

Purpose The study aims to analyse library user preferences in the willingness to read and pay for e-books, using a sample of both active readers (users of public library services) and non-users (the general population). Design/methodology/approach Two empirical surveys were conducted from August to November of 2019; the research sample consisted of 1,334 users from the Municipal Library of Prague and 1,101 non-users from the general Czech population. The research was focussed on e-book user preferences. The willingness to pay (WTP) for e-book services and the determinants that affect this willingness were also examined. Findings The results show the specific approach of Czech readers, whose main determinant of WTP is not the content, but the price and method of its payment (allocation). Some people prefer a cheaper annual lump sum, whereas others may prefer a charge of small regular fees. The decision to pay depends on their reading or payment habits. Originality/value This study also aims to clarify the demand for various types of digital media in Czech libraries and the preferred distribution models. Furthermore, the study determines the dependence of the preferences of library users in their WTP for e-books using different evaluation models. The originality of this study is in the evaluation of the determinants of WTP for e-books, which makes this study unique, and the findings should contribute to the expansion of existing knowledge in the field of information science.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 900-906
Author(s):  
John M. Leventhal ◽  
Julia Hamilton ◽  
Susan Rekedal ◽  
Anna Tebano-Micci ◽  
Cynthia Eyster

To determine the value of using anatomically correct dolls in diagnostic interviews of young children suspected of being sexually abused, the records of 83 children who were less than 7 years of age and who were evaluated at Yale-New Haven Hospital because of a suspicion of sexual abuse were reviewed. The dolls were used in 60 cases (72%). When the dolls were used, children provided significantly more information than by interview alone about what had happened and about the identity of the suspected perpetrator. Children less than 3 years of age, however, were unable to provide details about the abuse despite the use of the dolls. The ratings of the likelihood that sexual abuse had occurred were based on all of the information in the case including that obtained through the diagnostic interview with the dolls. When these ratings were compared with the ratings based on evidence obtained solely from noninterview data, the likelihood of abuse was higher in 35% of the cases. It was concluded that substantially more information is provided by young children when anatomically correct dolls are used and that the likelihood of detection of abuse is increased when information from the child is included in the assessment.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Skøtt

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate what democratic challenges the digitisation of the public libraries in Denmark has entailed. Using the concepts from a national library professional strategy from 2012, an analysis of 9 librarians’ experiences with digital dissemination in practice is conducted. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a part of a larger research project called “If digitisation is the answer, then what was the question?”. This sub study builds on the semi-structured interviews with library staff members, case-descriptions of two central providers of digital public library materials, as well as literature studies of missions, vision and strategies from different public library policy institutions. To frame the study, a literature review has been conducted. Findings The author detects the presence of several incompatible conditions in digital dissemination. These conditions are predominantly of an organisational nature, potentially containing major consequences for citizens’ free and equal access to information, knowledge and culture. Among other things, the Danish public libraries risk substantiating an already existing and problematic polarisation between technologically capable and incapacitated groups of people. Originality/value The digital transformation of society has only just begun. Therefore, it is important to examine the consequences of the transition to digital media types for central cultural institution such as the public libraries. The present study is an early and minor contribution to the illumination of a process requiring many more and large-scale studies.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document