Leadership Skill-Building Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership Skill-Building - Essay Example is to see the creation of a contemporary platform that makes goods and services of enhanced quality closer to the global community towards the resolving and bringing of harmony as the work environment is accommodative to the different cultural and religious aspects that in various parts of the world. Initialize a platform for the training of future leaders so as to enhance the eradication of inclination to government subsidies and adherence to the paralegal duties that leaders should be well versed of. In accordance to DuBrin’s explanation concerning the achieving hypothetical heights of superior leadership, it is important to possess key values such as core-self evaluation since as a leader, the society is dynamic in every aspect and hence conducting a personal audit concerning the personality traits that air to the people you are in service for is key. Being trustworthy cannot be further explained neither can it be buried to be overlooked. The effectiveness of leader is gauged upon his/her intentions and motives towards the realization of previously set goals. Being in a leadership position is a daunting task and conducting issues in an unethical manner signs the first signature to the collapse of the leadership strategy and pillars of good leadership. I therefore would strive to conduct all in an ethical and lawful manner that does not oppress anyone in the

Impact of technology on patient care Research Paper - 1

Impact of technology on patient care - Research Paper Example Also, most cooking can be done in a matter of minutes with microwave technology. Our means of transportation has improved over time; cars now run on solar and even electric energy. Likewise, one could not discount the innovation in mobile technology. Now, people could not only call and receive messages from another person at the same time; but also see the person one is conversing with despite expansive geographical distance. Recently, a CNN report about the improvement in Twitter revealed that individuals chat with followers while viewing real time activities and instantly commenting on the account page. As such, advancement in technology has impacted most aspects of life; not leaving behind the area of health and patient care. Among the most noted technological advancement in this field include the application of the electronic health record, telemedicine, wireless communication, sensors and wearable technology, portal technology, mHealth, as well as other advanced medical tools, d rugs, and equipment (Jayanthi, 2014). As a result, the delivery of patient care has been noted to be more efficient as interventions are tailored to the unique health needs of culturally diverse clientele. In this regard, the current discourse hereby aims to present the impact of technology on patient care. The paper would initially provide a review of previous studies made on the subject; specifically how technology relates to patient care, how technological advancement impacted patient care, as well as the areas of patient care impacted.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multi-system disorder, resulting in multiple comorbidities and being the fourth common cause of mortality worldwide (1). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in COPD, through manifestations such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke and sudden cardiac death (2,3). Moreover, in the last years, a tendency to paradigm shift occured, the chronic respiratory disease itself being defined as a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor (4,5). This interaction between COPD and cardiovascular disease could be explained either by shared risk factors (aging, smoking, exposure to air pollution and passive smoke, underprescribing of key cardiovascular medication, such as ÃŽ ²-blockers) or mechanisms of increased risk that are incompletely understood, beyond the conventional risk factors (4,6). There is increasing evidence that COPD negatively affect the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system, leading to sympathovagal imbalance, with increased sympathetic tone, loss of parasympathetic tone and altered baroreceptor sensitivity, which are essential components of cardiovascular risk (7-9). Recurrent episodes of hypoxemia and/or hypercapnea, intrathoracic pressure swings resulting from airway obstruction and hyperinflation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, increased respiratory effort and physical inactivity can all be involved in autonomic dysfunction observed in COPD (8-10). Patients with COPD and functional alterations of cardiac autonomic modulation tend to have an elevated resting heart rate (11-13), reduced heart rate variability (HRV) (14), altered blood pressure variability (BPV) (15), an increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (16), reduced baroreflex sensitivity (17) and increased plasma norepinephrine level (9). Other clincal findings related to sympathetic overdrive in COPD could be arterial stiffness, altered PWV and arterial compliance, as well as left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction which may occur through direct effect of tone, modulation of baroreceptor sensitivity or activation of the renin-angiotensin system (4, 18-22). Hypoxemia, hypercapnia, pulmonary hyperinflation and activity avoidance are involved in developping cardiac autonomic dysfunction but on the other hand, these mechanisms are also responsible for exertional dyspnea and skeletal muscle deconditioning, including respiratory muscle dysfunction, in COPD patients (23,24). Thus develops a vicious spiral of physical deconditioning, impaired quality of life and early development of cardiovascular comorbidities, leading eventually to increased hospitalization and mortality (25). The golden standard in COPD management is pulmonary rehabilitation, based on its main benefits, as resulted from clinical trials: improved exercise capacity and health-related quality of life, reduced symptoms and recovery after hospitalization, decreased anxiety and depression, shortening the number of hospitalizations and days in the hospital (1, 26-28). The impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on clinical outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation and vice versa is only partially investigated and understood. It seems that patients with metabolic and heart diseases might achieve lower degrees of improvement in exercise capacity or quality of life, but conflicting results from clinical trials have been published (29). Moreover, it is still unclear if pulmonary rehabilitation programs address cardiovascular risk factors in COPD patients, but there are encouraging results (30). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a particular component of pulmonary rehabilitation, arising from the finding that inspiratory muscle dysfunction is an extrapulmonary manifestation of the disease which is often present in COPD patients. Inspiratory muscle weakness is defined as a maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PI,max) of less than 60 cmH2O (31) and can be measured with handheld, electronic portable devices, providing automatically processed information on external inspiratory work, power and breathing pattern during loaded breathing tasks in patients with COPD. A recent study concluded that these information are valid estimation of physical units of energy during loaded breathing tasks, enabling healthcare providers to measure PI,max, peak inspiratory flow and quantify the load on inspiratory muscles in daily clinical practice (32). Also, it has been developed various pressure threshold loading medical devices, for standardized training, according to current recommendations although there is no established guideline yet (33). The impact of IMT was extensively studied in recent years. Results from randomised controlled trials in patients with COPD show that IMT as a stand-alone therapy improves strength and endurance of inspiratory muscles, improves symptoms (dyspnea) and exercise capacity (31,34). In a meta-analysis including 32 randomised controlled trials (31), IMT and its effects in patients with COPD were analysed and improved inspiratory muscle strength (+ 13 cmH2O; 95% CI 0.54-0.82; p

Analysis of Scenes 4-5 of The Glass Menagerie :: Glass Menagerie essays

Analysis of Scenes 4-5 of The Glass Menagerie "Tom Fishes in his pockets for his door key, removing a motley assortment of articles in the search, including a shower of movie ticket stubs and an empty bottle. At last he finds the key, but just as he is about to insert it, it slips from his fingers. He strikes a match and crouches below the door." Tom is a character that is constantly looking for individuality and adventure. Unfortunately, his everyday life cannot provide those for him. The apartment building he lives in is comparable to a bee hive. Every member's identity is lost not intentionally, but because it is second in importance to labor. He wants time to retire in thought every now and then and express himself somehow. All this labor supresses his creative nature whose persistency will eventually win over his practical side. In this scene, we see Tom searching for a key in his pocket. The contents of his pocket, one can argue, are filled with ways to escape his everyday life. The movies he attends are like therapy sessions that are crucial to his health. The empty bottle suggests that he was drinking that night. Tom abuses alcohol to alleviate some of the pain caused by other people abusing him. The key he is looking for cannot be found readily; not because it fell through the crack, but because he cannot escape his fait. Circumstances incarcerate him in and endless cycle of work, abuse, and supression of thought. There is no apparent way out of such a predicament, but Tom has to keep looking for the key. "Tom: You know it don't take much intelligence to get yourself into a nailed-up coffin, Laura. But who in hell ever got himself out of one without removing one nail?" Tom openly admits to Laura that he is very unhappy with his life. Laura has been known to cry because Tom feels trapped in the appartment, but Amanda dismissed it as nonsense. She thinks it is a trivial matter, and that Tom should stop thinking about himself so much. What she doesn't realize is that she is the one always thinking about herself.

L3 HSC Technical Certificate Essay

1. Identify the different reasons why people communicate (1.1.1) People communicate to build relationships, convey their needs to one another, share their ideas, express their feelings and socialise in pairs or larger groups. 2. Explain how communication affects relationships in an adult social care setting (1.1.2) As an adult care worker, communication is vital to meet the needs and requirements of the service user. If good communication is not formed, then the health and safety of the service user is at risk. Communication also forms trust, not only between the service user but also my fellow care worker/s. Communications between staff allow a good handover to take place between shifts and by using a communications book, any issues of health & safety can be discussed without all staff members being present. Read more: Reasons why people communicate  essay 3. Compare ways to establish the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of an individual (2.2.1) In many cases, just by talking in English to the individual, communication can be established to determine their wishes, needs & preferences. If this is not possible, the individual should have a care/support plan or notes; this will hopefully outline any special communication needs that individual may require. For example: a person who is either deaf or of impaired hearing, may need to be spoken to louder and clearer whilst your lips are in full view for them to read, alternatively hand gestures or sign language may be required. I fully understand though that in some cases it may be impossible for me to communicate between the service user and that I may need assistance. 4. Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication (2.2.2) There are a number of factors that need to be considered to promote effective communication: Verbal Communication; not everyone speaks my native tongue and therefore may not have my vocabulary and I may need to communicate with individuals that have learning difficulties; I therefore  have to consider this when communicating and be sure not to use words that could be difficult to understand. I must also be considerate enough to not sound patronising to adults by speaking to slowly and to use the correct tone and pitch in my voice. Non-Verbal Communication; non-verbal communication is said to account for up to 93% of all daily communication, this leaves only 7% for words. This clearly shows that non-verbal communication is very important to get right. Examples are; eyes, by talking to someone and (mostly) maintaining eye-contact conveys your intent of care and interest in that persons words and also affirms a solid foundation for trust. Body language can be communicated either consciously or non-consciously and can greatly affect the message or information to be shared between one or many people. There are times in my role when a simple hand on the shoulder has been enough to reassure that person that they are being listened to and understood. Writing a note or using an object can also help with establishing effective communication in a non-verbal way 5. Describe a range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs (2.2.3) We have the use of our five senses to communicate and receive information with: Visual – seeing Auditory – hearing Olfactory – smelling Kinaesthetic – feeling Gustatory – tasting 6. Explain why it is important to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating (2.2.4) Once communication is established, the dialogue of that conversation is usually determined by either signs of non-verbal or verbal reactions; it is essential that these are responded to in a correct and timely manner, or the risk of miscommunication is increased and the original intention or needs (which triggered the communication) may be lost and could potentially be dangerous to the health and safety of the individual, yourself or others around you. 7. Explain how individuals from different backgrounds may use, or interpret communication methods in different ways (3.3.1) Communication methods can  vary between people from different backgrounds and it can, in some instances, be very hard to avoid misunderstandings. There are beliefs and opinions that need to be respected and understood, whether they are from a religious or cultural viewpoint – these factors can greatly affect the effectiveness of the communication between them. Some individuals may be used to very strong non-verbal communication by way of e.g. hand gestures, as opposed to another who may be distracted and feel threatened by such means. Personality has a big influence on the method of someone’s communication, it is up to both individuals to adapt to each other in order to share information correctly. 8. Identify barriers to effective communication (3.3.2) As previously mentioned, Religion and cultural belief can be a barrier between two parties willing to communicate, there is also: Prejudice; in those beliefs, some of which you may not share but mustn’t let that be a prejudgement before communication. Different or strong accent; If you don’t understand what is being said to you (or what you are telling), it is imperative that you do not be embarrassed (or offended) in asking for the information to be repeated. Health & (or) mental issues; e.g. Aspergers, the individual may lack the necessary non-verbal communication skills and will therefore will require patience on your part. Noise; your hearing may be better than theirs and is not affected by any background noise such as a television. Specialist communication methods; Do you have the necessary skills for effective communication e.g. sign language? Sensory impairment; Is the individual deaf, blind or both? Emotions; Is this person too stressed to discuss something that is important? 9. Explain how to overcome barriers to communication (3.3.3) It is part of our job to identify these barriers and open up a good line of effective communication that serves the best interests of the service user. We can also call upon the services of others to aid in the communication e.g. an Interpreter. There is also much research I can do which may include speaking to the family or professionals that are already familiar with that individual and may offer valuable information on how best to communicate. We  can also use communication strategies and personal support plans as well as educating ourselves through training to gain new skills. 10. Describe strategies that can be used to clarify misunderstandings (3.3.4) Should a misunderstanding occur, I should not give up, but attempt to rectify it and ensure that the individual does understand, this can be done by e.g. Giving that person some time to calm down and then later on communicate it in a different or easier way, being careful to explain it fully and simpler. 11. Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively (3.3.5) There will be times when extra support is needed because you either lack the necessary skills or you cannot communicate or provide the information directly to the individual that serves them in the best possible way. There are many specialist organisations for a whole host of needs and requirements. You should, if asked, obtain this information for use by either yourself or the service user and make it easily accessible. 12. Explain the meaning of the term ‘confidentiality’ (4.4.1) Confidentiality is a set of rules built upon trust to abide by pertaining to the wishes and needs of others under your care. The information must be kept private with restrictions in place when required. 13. Describe ways to maintain confidentiality in day-to-day communication (4.4.2) ‘Confidentiality’ can be maintained by remaining aware and conscious of the information you share or discuss. Examples of this are: Information should only be discussed with the permission of the individual and not spoken about out of work, especially social media platforms e.g. Facebook. Any documentation needs to be filed securely and inaccessible to others. Your voice should be kept to a minimum when discussing (with permission) in a public environment (e.g. Hospital) the information of a service user to another person. 14. Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing concerns to agreed others (4.4.3) In my role as a support worker I may encounter a situation where the matter of confidentiality has to be weighed up against the welfare of the individual in question. In these instances confidentiality has to be broken to meet my obligations and duty of care in reporting to the correct and relevant authorities e.g. safeguarding; this has the potential for tension but for the greater good, must be adhered to. 15. Explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality (4.4.4) I can seek advice through my peers, management personnel or a professional advice line and this must always be done as soon as possible to ensure the immediate safety of the service user. Once you have completed, your Learning Advisor will be able to cross reference all knowledge into Unit 4222-301 of the diploma

The Political Arena

A boiling hot international issue nowadays is the upcoming elections in the Philippines which will be conducted on May 10, 2010. The election itself is controversial enough because this time, there are ten presidential candidates, but what is really different about this election is that this is the first time that they will be having the automated elections. The Senate Bill No. 2231 states that the automated election system must be used to ensure transparency, accuracy and credibility.As the elections are drawing nearer, more and more intrigues are appearing. One, and perhaps the most worthy of worry, is the failure of the PCOS machines.2 Just five days before the elections, the testing of the machines produced wrong results. In the mock elections, there were five votes for a certain candidate, and five votes for another candidate. These ten votes were all counted for different candidates.Whether the makers of the machine and the administration, headed by the current president who ha s been accused of cheating in the last elections, are conniving for this, it remains a mystery. People are worried that there might be a failure of elections, and when this happens, the current president stays the president. It has been suggested to have a parallel counting, meaning that aside from the automated counting, there will also be manual counting. This proposal was rejected by the Commission on Elections.In the Philippines, there are many different groups and religions. Recently, they have announced their support statements. The Iglesia ni Cristo group announced that they will be supporting Senator â€Å"Noynoy† Aquino, the son of the late President Cory Aquino (their first woman president).3Senator Aquino made a statement saying that the Commission on Elections indeed denied their proposal because it might open more venues for frauds and protests.4The media, being the primary source for most people, definitely plays a big role in this event. They continue to publis h survey results, which almost always show that there are only two presidential candidates who are in a battle for the spot. Again, these surveys only show the majority votes in a certain area, but for some reason, they have the power to manipulate the voters.Some voters will change their votes because their first choice does not show good results in the surveys posted by the media. The media also consistently gives updates on the failure of the PCOS machines. Last April 29, 2010, there was an article saying that the Office of the President also stood behind the decision of the COMELEC, and this made the citizens wonder more if there is indeed a connection between the two groups.5There have been legal actions already, as the mentioned resolutions of the Senate to the COMELEC, but all have been denied. The reason behind this is most probably the connivance of the administration, the COMELEC, and the producers of the PCOS machines. For me, this is an important issue even though it is happening in a different country.This shows us the dirty game of politics, and if it is happening in the Philippines, it can happen to any other country, as long as there are corrupt and power-hungry officials. If their elections push through without failure, we will get to see a new era in the Philippines, but if there is a failure of elections, who knows what can happen to their country?Choosing the next leaders of a country should not be taken lightly, and amidst the issues happening in their country, there are people still hoping for the best results.Works CitedSenate of the Republic of the Philippines, 13th Congress, Senate Bill No. 2231, Automated Election System, filed March 15, 2006.Noynoy Aquino. http://www.noynoy.ph/v3/index.php.Senate of the Philippines Press Release May 4, 2010.COMELEC Rejects Parallel Manual Count, April 29 2010, Manila Bulletin.