title: Physicians' perspectives of managing tensions around dimensions of effective communication in the emergency department

authors: Dean, Marleah

abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore emergency department (ED) physicians' perspectives of guidelines for effective communication. More specifically, the ways in which physicians manage the tensions among effective communication dimensions framed by relational dialectics theory are examined. This study used in-depth interviews with 17 ED physicians and 70 hours of observations to identify five dimensions of effective communication: efficiency, clarity/accuracy, relevance, comprehension, and rapport. Two communication tensions resulted from these dimensions: efficiency versus rapport and efficiency versus comprehension. In almost all instances, physicians chose efficient communication at the expense of comprehension or rapport. In addition, there was a tension between patient and physician perspectives of clarity and relevance that physicians tended to resolve by emphasizing what was relevant and clear from their own perspective. Implications for managing tensions in terms of efficiency and a physician-centered approach are discussed.

text: Physicians' perspectives of managing tensions around dimensions of effective communication in the emergency department The purpose of this study was to explore emergency department (ED) physicians' perspectives of guidelines for effective communication. More specifically, the ways in which physicians manage the tensions among effective communication dimensions framed by relational dialectics theory are examined. This study used in-depth interviews with 17 ED physicians and 70 hours of observations to identify five dimensions of effective communication: efficiency, clarity/accuracy, relevance, comprehension, and rapport. Two communication tensions resulted from these dimensions: efficiency versus rapport and efficiency versus comprehension. In almost all instances, physicians chose efficient communication at the expense of comprehension or rapport. In addition, there was a tension between patient and physician perspectives of clarity and relevance that physicians tended to resolve by emphasizing what was relevant and clear from their own perspective. Implications for managing tensions in terms of efficiency and a physician-centered approach are discussed.

year: 2013

title: Tootling through a cultural lens: Effects of tootling on student and teacher behaviours in an inclusive school in Aotearoa

authors: Choundira, Rhea

subjects: Tootling

abstract: This study aimed to extend the literature on the effects of tootling in an inclusive classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand. The tootling intervention involved students monitoring and reporting their peers’ prosocial behaviours, which was used with an interdependent group contingency. The current study used a series of AB designs to evaluate the effects on three teacher-nominated students from primary and middle-block classrooms separately. The study also investigated the effects of tootling on teacher praise statements with participant teachers from primary and middle-block classrooms. Target students were nominated for the study as they were thought to be at risk for emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD). Students were randomly picked from the rest of the class during data collection for the comparison group. Participant teachers included the classroom teachers present in class. An increase in academically engaged behaviour (AEB) was found across all three target students in the middle-block classroom and found in two out of three students in the primary-block classroom. An increase in praise statements from the middle block participant teacher was also found. Incidentally, the tootling intervention was integrated with MANA values practised in both classes; as a result, it was accepted as socially valid by the teachers and students. Discussion focuses on limitations due to Covid-19 restrictions and direction for future research.

text: Tootling through a cultural lens: Effects of tootling on student and teacher behaviours in an inclusive school in Aotearoa This study aimed to extend the literature on the effects of tootling in an inclusive classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand. The tootling intervention involved students monitoring and reporting their peers’ prosocial behaviours, which was used with an interdependent group contingency. The current study used a series of AB designs to evaluate the effects on three teacher-nominated students from primary and middle-block classrooms separately. The study also investigated the effects of tootling on teacher praise statements with participant teachers from primary and middle-block classrooms. Target students were nominated for the study as they were thought to be at risk for emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD). Students were randomly picked from the rest of the class during data collection for the comparison group. Participant teachers included the classroom teachers present in class. An increase in academically engaged behaviour (AEB) was found across all three target students in the middle-block classroom and found in two out of three students in the primary-block classroom. An increase in praise statements from the middle block participant teacher was also found. Incidentally, the tootling intervention was integrated with MANA values practised in both classes; as a result, it was accepted as socially valid by the teachers and students. Discussion focuses on limitations due to Covid-19 restrictions and direction for future research.

year: 2022

title: Māori and kava: New drug fashion or re-engagement with 'kawa'?

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

subjects: kava

abstract: The Pacific “cultural keystone species” (Garibaldi & Turner, 2004, pp.1,5) kava is uniquely linked with notions of mana (spiritual power) and used to infuse efficacy into celebrations and life events. The drink, made from this potent icon of identity, brings on feelings of relaxation without marked euphoria, aiding clear-minded talanoa (discussion) to facilitate important and/or contentious dialogue. The sharing and drinking of kava as part of host/guest formalities is used in bringing about mutuality and unity (Aporosa, 2019). It is estimated there are more than 20,000 kava users in Aotearoa/New Zealand on an average Friday or Saturday night, with increasing interest and uptake of this indigenous drink by Māori. Crowley (1994) reports that the Māori word ‘kawa’, literally meaning ‘marae protocol’, has its linguistic foundations in ‘kava’ and the practices associated with this cultural keystone species. This paper explores that linguistic union to ask whether increased kava use by Māori has greater significance than simply a new interaction with a foreign drug substance. Further, due to the use of kava in facilitating talanoa (discussion), the possibility of kava playing a similar role for Māori is considered, one linked to ancestral Pacific connections aimed at assisting kōrero (talanoa), cultural connectedness and practice.

text: Māori and kava: New drug fashion or re-engagement with 'kawa'? The Pacific “cultural keystone species” (Garibaldi & Turner, 2004, pp.1,5) kava is uniquely linked with notions of mana (spiritual power) and used to infuse efficacy into celebrations and life events. The drink, made from this potent icon of identity, brings on feelings of relaxation without marked euphoria, aiding clear-minded talanoa (discussion) to facilitate important and/or contentious dialogue. The sharing and drinking of kava as part of host/guest formalities is used in bringing about mutuality and unity (Aporosa, 2019). It is estimated there are more than 20,000 kava users in Aotearoa/New Zealand on an average Friday or Saturday night, with increasing interest and uptake of this indigenous drink by Māori. Crowley (1994) reports that the Māori word ‘kawa’, literally meaning ‘marae protocol’, has its linguistic foundations in ‘kava’ and the practices associated with this cultural keystone species. This paper explores that linguistic union to ask whether increased kava use by Māori has greater significance than simply a new interaction with a foreign drug substance. Further, due to the use of kava in facilitating talanoa (discussion), the possibility of kava playing a similar role for Māori is considered, one linked to ancestral Pacific connections aimed at assisting kōrero (talanoa), cultural connectedness and practice.

year: 2019