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Biomedical subjects

O Hargie

Publications and source records attributed to O Hargie.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Quality issues in the treatment of depression in general practice.

This paper is concerned with quality issues in the treatment of depression by general practitioners (GPs). The main focus of inquiry of the paper is the utilisation of patient-centred care in general practice. The utility of this approach will be demonstrated at a general level, but more specifically its importance for guiding GP-patient consultations involving individuals suffering from depression will be highlighted. The results of this study, in which both GPs and sufferers of depression were interviewed, indicated that a patient-centred style is often very much contingent on issues such as time, and whether the doctor feels the patient can cope with such an approach. However, results from both sets of interviews indicate a particularly strong recognition of the need for a patient-centred style in the treatment of depression in general practice.

Depression↗
PubMed1998

A survey of communication skills training in UK schools of medicine: present practices and prospective proposals.

It is now widely accepted that effective interpersonal communication is at the heart of quality health care delivery but that current standards in medicine must be improved (Numann 1988; Cowan et al. 1992). One approach acknowledged by the General Medical Council (1991) devotes more attention during training to the theme of communication, and quite significant modifications of the undergraduate medical curriculum are presently taking place. This article documents the results of a postal survey of the 26 UK Schools of Medicine, designed to illuminate current practices and future plans in respect of communication skills training (CST). As such, it takes advantage of the present period of ongoing curricular innovation and change to extend and update earlier reviews (Whitehouse 1991; Frederikson & Bull 1992). A total of 19 responses was received. Following preliminary analysis, the four schools who had already implemented their new curriculum were selected for further in-depth investigation by means of telephone interviews. In addition to reporting frequencies and percentages for responses to questions, cross-tabulations were carried out to explore relationships between certain of the findings. Apart from some consistency in CST teaching methods adopted, the overall picture to emerge is one of considerable variability in such areas as course content, timing, duration and assessment. Foremost among the difficulties encountered in implementing CST appeared to be lack of adequate physical resources and suitably trained staff. Future plans were often sketchy and inchoate. Results are discussed and tentative recommendations for the further development of CST in the medical curriculum proffered.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1996

Communication in the NHS: using qualitative approaches to analyse effectiveness.

Argues in favour of utilizing qualitative methods to assess the effectiveness of internal communications in the National Health Service (NHS), as a supplement to the more standard quantitative measures normally employed. Presents a case study from an NHS Trust, demonstrating the type of data which is generated. Compares these data to findings derived by quantitative methods. Argues that the quantitative findings both confirm and supplement those derived by quantitative methods, and that both can identify the types of major problems prevalent within the NHS at present. Suggests that the further study of these issues should become an important part of efforts to create national standards for communication effectiveness in the future.

Communication↗
PubMed1996

Communication audits and the management of change: a case study from an NHS unit of management.

This article explores the importance of high quality communication between managers and staff for the effective management of change within the National Health Service (NHS). In particular, a methodology termed communication audit is outlined. Such audits enable managers to gather accurate information about communication practices within organizations and allows them to assess the nature, quantity and quality of internal communications. This, in turn, facilitates the identification and resolution of potential problems and helps to provide a clearly focused agenda for action and change. A case study is offered which illustrates how such an audit was applied to a Unit of Management within the NHS. The implications for managers throughout the organization are then considered.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1993

Quality assurance and internal organizational communications.

Reviews the relationship between internal communication in organizations and the effective delivery of service. Illustrates how quality internal communications can reduce the levels of uncertainty experienced by staff, especially at times of change, and describes a methodology--the communication audit--whereby organizations can monitor and evaluate quality in this sphere. Explains the core steps involved in implementing this type of audit and itemizes the main data collection tools.

Forms and Records Control↗