Artificial intelligence is opening a new era for professional communication

Alex Sevigny — 2024-05-06

In this editorial for volume seven of the Journal of Professional Communication, the author discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is going to transform our economy, culture and society in ways that we cannot yet imagine. Indeed, it is because AI is the first storytelling technology. Being a storytelling technology, it fits squarely in the wheelhouse of profesional communicators, communications managers and marketers. The author suggests that communicators grab the gold AI ring, rather than allow it pass the profession by, similar to how the profession passed on social media and lost vitality and relevance because of that miss. The editorial also contains a summary of each article in this issue of JPC, as well as an acknowledgement of peer reviewers and JPC staff.

What makes a good specialty referral?

Adam Boggon — 2024-05-06

Referrals between medical and surgical specialties are an important communication challenge in healthcare. Yet there is little guidance on how to make a competent referrals. We aimed to clarify the qualities of a good referral by means of a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews and email correspondence with a predefined topic schedule were conducted with participants purposively sampled to include a wide range of specialties. The results were collated and coded using the Framework Method. These were then qualitatively analysed and common themes emerged. A total of 51 specialists from 29 clinical specialties responded. The broad themes identified included a standardised structure, appropriate method and relevant content of referral. Many clinicians cited a well-organised structure with a clear clinical question as key to a good referral. Many also preferred a ‘headliner’ summary sentence to give an overview of the content of the referral. Perceived barriers to a good referral included staffing levels, high workload and complexity of the referral process. We have identified common themes that can be applied to referrals made to a wide range of clinical specialities. The q-SBAR (question-Situation Background Assessment Referral) method is one way that such a referral could be structured.