The Need for Systems Approaches for Precision Communications in Public Health.

A major challenge in communicating health-related information is the involvement of multiple complex systems from the creation of the information to the sources and channels of dispersion to the information users themselves. To date, public health communications approaches have often not adequately accounted for the complexities of these systems to the degree necessary to have maximum impact. The virality of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation has brought to light the need to consider these system complexities more extensively. Unaided, it is difficult for humans to see and fully understand complex systems. Luckily, there are a range of systems approaches and methods, such as systems mapping and systems modeling, that can help better elucidate complex systems. Using these methods to better characterize the various systems involved in communicating public health-related information can lead to the development of more tailored, precise, and proactive communications. Proceeding in an iterative manner to help design, implement, and adjust such communications strategies can increase impact and leave less opportunity for misinformation and disinformation to spread.

Process evaluation of a medical improvisation program for healthcare communication training.

BACKGROUND: Medical improvisation is an innovative approach to train healthcare professionals in effective communication. The success of this type of training depends on the active engagement of participants. METHOD: A total of 136 interprofessional healthcare workers completed surveys before and after a two-hour medical improvisation communication training session in October 2020. We investigated individual- and program-level contributors to participation outputs (e.g. engagement and experience). RESULTS: 97% of healthcare professionals in the participating department took part in the training. 82% described the training in positive terms or as a learning experience. Younger participants, medical doctors, and those who had difficulty tolerating uncertainty were less excited than others about training. Their engagement was associated with their excitement and group size. Uncertainty tolerance predicted engagement via a full mediation of excitement. CONCLUSIONS: Building excitement, reducing uncertainty about training, and capping group size are likely to improve participant's engagement and experience and will inform dissemination and implementation efforts.

Training for communication in forensic science.

Scientists are increasingly becoming better prepared to communicate science in a variety of different settings, yet significantly less attention has been paid to communicating science in the courtroom, a setting which carries major societal impact. This article explores key issues surrounding science communication in the courtroom. We outline a conceptual system for communication training that includes ideas about fostering greater collaboration across different stakeholder groups, and training expert witnesses to communicate scientific evidence in ways that are accessible and accurate. Critical to this concept is supporting communication that upholds the integrity of the science, while also maintaining expectations for interactions in the courtroom.