Improving Knowledge Management by Supporting Asynchronous Communications with a Debate Dashboard

Author(s):  
Luca Iandoli ◽  
Ivana Quinto ◽  
Anna De Liddo ◽  
Simon Buckingham Shum

In today economic environment, innovation is considered the primary source of competitive advantage for companies. The advent of Web 2.0 tools has provided organizations with new models and tools to improve collaboration and co-creation of new knowledge assets. In particular, the shift to Open Innovation models has been recognized as a major change in the way companies create and manage innovation. In this paper the authors focus on a particular kind of web-based platforms known as argument mapping tools. Argument mapping tools have proved to be valuable tools to the organization to support collaborative decision making in distributed environments, but the level of adoption of these technologies in common organizational practices remains quite low. To tackle this problem, the authors propose to augment common argumentation mapping features with a Debate Dashboard. The research hypothesis the authors make is that by providing visual conversational feedback the Debate Dashboard improves common ground and mutual understanding of online conversation thus supporting users adoption of argument mapping tools. Drawing on Grounding cost theory (Clark & Brennan, 1991; Clark, 1996), in this paper the authors describe the main rationale and requirements for a Debate Dashboard and argue that such interface can provide useful users feedback to compensate for the loss of information due to technology mediation, and therefore improve the communication and mediation abilities of argumentation systems. Moreover the authors describe the design and preliminary results of an evaluation study carried out to assess whether the Debate Dashboard can foster more efficient and easier interaction and communication among online users. Initial results appear to support their research hypothesis, at least in terms of users’ involvement and level of participation. Indeed, from the preliminary analysis it emerges that by augmenting online argument mapping tools with visual feedback users’ performances and users engagement improve, in particular by increasing the total number of user contributions and the number of most active users.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yizhao Ni ◽  
Todd Lingren ◽  
Hannah Huth ◽  
Kristen Timmons ◽  
Krisin Melton ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND At present, electronic health records (EHRs) are the central focus of clinical informatics given their role as the primary source of clinical data. Despite their granularity, the EHR data heavily rely on manual input and are prone to human errors. Many other sources of data exist in the clinical setting, including digital medical devices such as smart infusion pumps. When incorporated with prescribing data from EHRs, smart pump records (SPRs) are capable of shedding light on actions that take place during the medication use process. However, harmoniz-ing the 2 sources is hindered by multiple technical challenges, and the data quality and utility of SPRs have not been fully realized. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the quality and utility of SPRs incorporated with EHR data in detecting medication administration errors. Our overarching hypothesis is that SPRs would contribute unique information in the med-ication use process, enabling more comprehensive detection of discrepancies and potential errors in medication administration. METHODS We evaluated the medication use process of 9 high-risk medications for patients admitted to the neonatal inten-sive care unit during a 1-year period. An automated algorithm was developed to align SPRs with their medica-tion orders in the EHRs using patient ID, medication name, and timestamp. The aligned data were manually re-viewed by a clinical research coordinator and 2 pediatric physicians to identify discrepancies in medication ad-ministration. The data quality of SPRs was assessed with the proportion of information that was linked to valid EHR orders. To evaluate their utility, we compared the frequency and severity of discrepancies captured by the SPR and EHR data, respectively. A novel concordance assessment was also developed to understand the detec-tion power and capabilities of SPR and EHR data. RESULTS Approximately 70% of the SPRs contained valid patient IDs and medication names, making them feasible for data integration. After combining the 2 sources, the investigative team reviewed 2307 medication orders with 10,575 medication administration records (MARs) and 23,397 SPRs. A total of 321 MAR and 682 SPR dis-crepancies were identified, with vasopressors showing the highest discrepancy rates, followed by narcotics and total parenteral nutrition. Compared with EHR MARs, substantial dosing discrepancies were more commonly detectable using the SPRs. The concordance analysis showed little overlap between MAR and SPR discrepan-cies, with most discrepancies captured by the SPR data. CONCLUSIONS We integrated smart infusion pump information with EHR data to analyze the most error-prone phases of the medication lifecycle. The findings suggested that SPRs could be a more reliable data source for medication error detection. Ultimately, it is imperative to integrate SPR information with EHR data to fully detect and mitigate medication administration errors in the clinical setting.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 3767-3781 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Habib ◽  
Y. Ma ◽  
D. Williams ◽  
H. O. Sharif ◽  
F. Hossain

Abstract. HydroViz is a Web-based, student-centered, educational tool designed to support active learning in the field of Engineering Hydrology. The design of HydroViz is guided by a learning model that is based on learning with data and simulations, using real-world natural hydrologic systems to convey theoretical concepts, and using Web-based technologies for dissemination of the hydrologic education developments. This model, while being used in a hydrologic education context, can be adapted in other engineering educational settings. HydroViz leverages the free Google Earth resources to enable presentation of geospatial data layers and embed them in web pages that have the same look and feel of Google Earth. These design features significantly facilitate the dissemination and adoption of HydroViz by any interested educational institutions regardless of their access to data or computer models. To facilitate classroom usage, HydroViz is populated with a set of course modules that can be used incrementally within different stages of an engineering hydrology curriculum. A pilot evaluation study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the HydroViz tool in delivering its educational content, to examine the buy-in of the program by faculty and students, and to identify specific project components that need to be further pursued and improved. A total of 182 students from seven freshmen and senior-level undergraduate classes in three universities participated in the study. HydroViz was effective in facilitating students' learning and understanding of hydrologic concepts and increasing related skills. Students had positive perceptions of various features of HydroViz and they believe that HydroViz fits well in the curriculum. In general, HydroViz tend to be more effective with students in senior-level classes than students in freshmen classes. Lessons gained from this pilot study provide guidance for future adaptation and expansion studies to scale-up the application and utility of HydroViz and other similar systems into various hydrology and water-resource engineering curriculum settings. The paper presents a set of design principles that contribute to the development of other active hydrology educational systems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 890-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego P. Silva ◽  
Alexandre M. Pedroso ◽  
Murillo C.S. Pereira ◽  
Gustavo P. Bertoldi ◽  
Daniel H.M. Watanabe ◽  
...  

This work aimed to survey management practices used by dairy farmers and to report nutritional recommendations adopted by 43 dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The web-based survey consisted of 80 questions. Almost 50% of the participants had clients that produce <1000 kg of milk daily and 48.8% had clients who own fewer than 100 dairy cows. Corn was the primary source of grain (97.4%), and 43.9% of the nutritionists included from 41% to 50% concentrate in lactation diets. The mean roughage inclusion in lactation diets was 50.5% and 79% of the nutritionists reported corn silage as the primary roughage source. Average crude protein and rumen-degradable protein concentrations recommended by the nutritionists for lactation diets were 15.7% and 9%, respectively. Average Ca and P concentrations recommended for lactation diets were 0.70% and 0.41%, respectively. The major health problem reported by 83.9% of the nutritionists was mastitis. The present survey provides an overview of management practices adopted by dairy farmers and nutritional recommendations currently applied by dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The most critical points identified were low milk yield, mastitis as the major health problem, lack of proper mixing and delivery of rations, and destination of male calves.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
David Hook

Objective – This study reports on research into the information and support needs of practitioners in the museum, archive, and library sectors, who are undergoing an impact evaluation. Design – Qualitative survey. Setting – Web-based questionnaire. Subjects – Twenty-one practitioners in the fields of museums, archives, and libraries. Methods – The study made use of a small-scale web portal that provides impact evaluation research findings, toolkits, and examples of methods. The portal’s intent was to present to the users multiple views of the available information in order to overcome the problem of users not being able to identify their needs. A purposive sample group consisting of 50 practitioners from the museum, library, and archive fields was invited to participate in a questionnaire evaluating the website. Main Results – Despite a fairly low response rate (49%) and poor distribution among the three sectors (museums, libraries, and archives), the results indicated a significant difference in the levels of knowledge and understanding of impact evaluation. Over half of the organizations surveyed had done some assessment of their institution’s economic impact, and there appears to be a rising trend towards doing impact studies for specific projects and developments. Nearly a quarter of the organizations had not undertaken any impact evaluation study previously. Practitioners already familiar with impact evaluation tended to look at broader range of fields for expertise, whereas those with less familiarity remained within their own sector. Practitioners with less experience preferred tools, guidance, and examples of methodologies as opposed to actual evidence of impact. The results also provided the authors with feedback on their web portal and how to organize the information therein. Conclusions – One of the findings of the study was that the overall reaction to impact evaluation support through research evidence, guidance, and other mechanisms was positive. For most practitioners, evaluation itself and the level of understanding of impact evaluation are at early stages. The primary goals for those undertaking impact evaluation were found to be professional and organizational learning, thus there is a need for practical help and guidance in these areas. Time limitation appeared to be a significant factor in the responses – particularly with smaller organizations – suggesting that their portal material would provide much-needed assistance to such organizations. Finally, it was concluded that future emphasis should be placed on developing practical applications rather than pure research.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6567-6567 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Comis ◽  
D. D. Colaizzi ◽  
J. D. Miller

6567 Background: A web based survey of attitudes and awareness of cancer survivors (Ca. surv) towards CCT was performed from 3–4, 2005. The survey was developed jointly by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Michigan State University (MSU) and executed by MSU and Knowledge Networks (KN). Methods: Ca surv. were obtained from a panel of 40,000 adults through KN based on a US household probablility sample who agree to weekly surveys in exchange for a free MSN box and ISP service. 2,029 panel members reported a cancer diagnosis (dx); 1,788/2,029 (88%) agreed to participate. Results: About 10% of Ca surv. are aware of CCT opportunities at the time of dx. 73% become aware through a physician (ASCO 2006: 6061). Ca surv. were asked to rank the most trusted sources of health care information from a list of 23 categories on a 0 (least) to 10 (most) scale. Physicians scored the highest (8.6) followed by information from the NCI (8.4) and reports from societies of cancer physicians/researchers (8.3). Although not significantly different from each other, all were significantly different from the other 20 sources (p<.05). CCT aware Ca surv. were asked whether the physician discouraged, was neutral or encouraged participation or made a little, moderate or great deal of effort to educate them and find a CCT. Enrollment (%) was directly related (p< 0.01) to the perceived physician involvement as follows: Encouragement: discouraged (0); neutral (16); encouraged (84); Educate: little (22); moderate (41%); great deal (64%); Find trial: little (23); moderate (39); great deal (82%). Of the 90% of Ca surv. who were not aware of CCT, 65% indicated that they would be somewhat or very receptive to enrollment if they had been made aware of an opportunity. Conclusion: Ca surv. are not CCT averse a priori. The physician is the most trusted, primary source of awareness and influence in decisions concerning CCT. Although there are myriad reported barriers to CCT participation, increased CCT participation hinges upon physician commitment and communication; conversely, a lack thereof may be the greatest barrier to increased CCT participation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


Author(s):  
Kevin Patrick Milewski

This paper evaluates the resilience of the myth of Philomela and the symbol of the nightingale in poetic tradition from Ovid’s Metamorphoses to the early Romantic poetry of Keats, Wordsworth, and Coleridge. Poets have long depended upon natural life to demonstrate characteristics of human emotion and activity, for animal species remain similar generation by generation, but simultaneously act autonomously. The myth of Philomela’s metamorphosis into a nightingale draws upon the natural characteristics of the bird, and to reference it implies very specific connotations. By explicating the primary source poetry, I draw immediate connections between references to the myth while in order to highlight the prevailing variations in metonymic function. Using critical commentary of classical scholars of Ovid and poetic scholars of the Romantics, I utilize the shift of the nightingale from Ovid’s bird of repressed grief to the Romantic’s one of natural joy. With the shift, I seek to extrapolate two understandings from the nightingale’s mythological symbolism. Why use the nightingale as a symbol, and what can differences in the perception of the nightingale from the Romans to the Romantics tell us about their respective views of nature? Incorporating the conversation of gender differences and rape, I acknowledge the male dominance of the myth as well the symbolism of song and speech in conveying message, stemming from Philomela’s loss of her tongue. Bridging the gap between the Greek myth, the Roman story, and the Romantic reinterpretation, the common metaphor of the nightingale is a common ground for reading the natural perception of nature through poetry.


Author(s):  
Loïs Francesca van de Water ◽  
Héctor G. van den Boorn ◽  
Florian Hoxha ◽  
Inge Henselmans ◽  
Mart M. Calff ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Cross ◽  
Peter Rosenbaum ◽  
Danijela Grahovac ◽  
Julie Brocklehurst ◽  
Diane Kay ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The “F-words in Childhood Disability” (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future) are an adaptation and an attempt to operationalize the World Health Organization’s (2001) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Since the paper was published (November 2011), the “F-words” have attracted global attention (>12,000 downloads, January 2018). Internationally, people have adopted the “F-words” ideas, and many families and service providers have expressed a need for more information, tools, and resources on the “F-words”. OBJECTIVE This paper reports on the development and pilot evaluation of a Web-based knowledge translation (KT) resource, the “F-words” Knowledge Hub that was created to inform people about the “F-words” and to provide action-oriented tools to support the use of the “F-words” in practice. METHODS An integrated research team of families and researchers at CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research collaborated to develop, implement, and evaluate the Knowledge Hub. A pilot study design was chosen to assess the usability and utility of the Web-based hub before implementing a larger evaluation study. Data were collected using a brief anonymous Web-based survey that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions, with the closed-ended responses being based on a five-point Likert-type scale. We used descriptive statistics and a summary of key themes to report findings. RESULTS From August to November 2017, the Knowledge Hub received >6,800 unique visitors. In 1 month (November 2017), 87 people completed the survey, of whom 63 completed the full survey and 24 completed 1 or 2 sections. The respondents included 42 clinicians and 30 family members or individuals with a disability. The majority of people visited the Knowledge Hub 1-5 times (n=63) and spent up to 45 minutes exploring (n=61) before providing feedback. Overall, 66 people provided information on the perceived usefulness of the Knowledge Hub, of which 92% (61/66) found the Knowledge Hub user-friendly and stated that they enjoyed exploring the hub, and a majority (n=52) reported that the Knowledge Hub would influence what they did when working with others. From the open-ended responses (n=48), the “F-words” videos (n=21) and the “F-words” tools (n=15) were rated as the best features on the Knowledge Hub. CONCLUSIONS The “F-words” Knowledge Hub is an evidence-informed Web-based KT resource that was useful for respondents, most of whom were seen as “early adopters” of the “F-words” concepts. Based on the findings, minor changes are to be made to improve the Knowledge Hub before completing a larger evaluation study on the impact at the family, clinician, and organizational levels with a wider group of users. Our hope is that the “F-words” Knowledge Hub will become a go-to resource for knowledge sharing and exchange for families and service providers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candice Biernesser ◽  
Gerald Montano ◽  
Elizabeth Miller ◽  
Ana Radovic

BACKGROUND Although youth report many positive experiences with social media (SM) use in their daily lives, adolescents with depression are more vulnerable to the risks of SM use than adolescents without depression. Parents protect adolescents with depression from the risks of SM use by monitoring their child’s SM activity; however, this comes into conflict with the adolescent’s need for autonomy in their web-based communication. The implications of SM use and monitoring for adolescents with depression and their parents are of particular relevance to the COVID-19 pandemic, as rates of SM use have increased in response to physical distancing measures. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore parent and child perspectives regarding the use and function of SM in the daily lives of adolescents with depression and parents’ perceptions of and experience with monitoring their child’s SM use. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with adolescents with depression (n=23) and one parent of each adolescent (n=23) between July 2013 and September 2014. The adolescents were patients seeking treatment for depression in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Data analysis included dyadic analysis of the adolescents’ and parents’ perspectives and qualitative descriptions of individual parent interviews to explore their experiences with SM use and monitoring. The construct of parental knowledge and factors hypothesized to contribute to parental knowledge, including adolescent disclosure, parental solicitation, and parental control, were used to guide the codebook and dyadic data analysis. RESULTS Dyadic analyses showed that parents and their children disagreed on the use and function of SM in the daily lives of adolescents with depression, with adolescents viewing SM as a forum for honest expression of their emotions, whereas parents felt that their children’s posts were inconsequential and interfered with the adolescents’ lives. Furthermore, parents reported using a wide range of strategies to gain knowledge of their child’s SM use to monitor their safety on SM, including direct solicitation and indirect solicitation, such as keeping the child's passwords, asking friends or siblings about their child's SM use, and restricting SM behavior and access to devices. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should support adolescents with depression and their parents in finding common ground for an effective and acceptable monitoring approach. Resources are provided for clinicians navigating conversations about SM use and monitoring with adolescents with depression and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (06) ◽  
pp. 507-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Pfistermeister ◽  
Brita Sedlmayr ◽  
Andrius Patapovas ◽  
Gerald Suttner ◽  
Ozan Tektas ◽  
...  

Summary Background: A well-known problem in current clinical decision support systems (CDSS) is the high number of alerts, which are often medically incorrect or irrelevant. This may lead to the so-called alert fatigue, an over -riding of alerts, including those that are clinically relevant, and underuse of CDSS in general. Objectives: The aim of our study was to develop and to apply a standardized tool that allows its users to evaluate the quality of system-generated drug alerts. The users’ ratings can subsequently be used to derive recommendations for developing a filter function to reduce irrelevant alerts. Methods: We developed a rating tool for drug alerts and performed a web-based evaluation study that also included a user review of alerts. In this study the following categories were evaluated: “data linked correctly”, “medically correct”, “action required”, “medication change”, “critical alert”, “information gained” and “show again”. For this purpose, 20 anonymized clinical cases were randomly selected and displayed in our customized CDSS research prototype, which used the summary of product characteristics (SPC) for alert generation. All the alerts that were provided were evaluated by 13 physicians. The users’ ratings were used to derive a filtering algorithm to reduce overalerting. Results: In total, our CDSS research prototype generated 399 alerts. In 98 % of all alerts, medication data were rated as linked correctly to drug information; in 93 %, the alerts were assessed as “medically correct”; 19.5 % of all alerts were rated as “show again”. The interrater-agreement was, on average, 68.4 %. After the application of our filtering algorithm, the rate of alerts that should be shown again decreased to 14.8 %. Conclusions: The new standardized rating tool supports a standardized feedback of user-perceived clinical relevance of CDSS alerts. Overall, the results indicated that physicians may consider the majority of alerts formally correct but clinically irrelevant and override them. Filtering may help to reduce overalerting and increase the specificity of a CDSS.


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