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INTRODUCTION Unhurried conversations (1) are a fulcrum around which effective health care operates, as they lead to careful and kind care that is responsive and responsible to both patients and [...], Unhurried conversations are necessary for careful and kind care that is responsive and responsible to both patients and clinicians. Adequate conceptual development is an important first step in being able to assess and measure this important domain of quality of care. In this article, we expand on a preliminary model to identify the key microlevel communication practices that support an unhurried conversation, defined as an ongoing, mutual accomplishment between patient and clinician that proceeds through a range of verbal and nonverbal communication practices wherein one or more participants (mutually) regulate the sequence, spacing (temporal and spatial), and speed of interaction to make themselves available to the other and remove or suspend distractions from the environment in order to improve care. We draw from the rich, qualitative descriptions found in earlier work that point to specific, observable practices in clinical encounters and identified empirical and theoretical work across a range of disciplines to expand our understanding of these practices. Ultimately, we identify and elaborate on 10 observable indicators of patient- clinician communication: engaging in shared turn taking, establishing rapport through discussion of off-task topics, pausing to allow the other ample time to speak, moderating the pace of spoken language, avoiding conversational interruptions, minimizing external interruptions, triaging topics as needed to create adequate time, expressing emotions, encouraging participation through inviting questions, and displaying open body language. These indicators work together to cocreate unhurried conversations.

Courses: Theories of Organizational Communication; Communication Theory. Theories of Organizational Communication; Communication Theory. Objectives: The proposed activity utilizes a digitally interactive global positioning system--based augmented reality game to help students (a) gain a richer learning experience through immersion and engagement with their surroundings, (b) learn how to interpret culture from observable artifacts (e.g. buildings, statues, stories), and (c) reflect on organizational culture's multilayered, multifaceted, and emergent nature.

Based on the tenets of Flow Theory, the study proposes that in-class activities that have the potential to induce the experience of flow--a state of deep absorption and enjoyment of tasks at hand--among students are likely to increase students' engagement. Specifically, the study examined the effects of three in-class activity factors (i.e., optimal challenges, immediate feedback, clear goals) on students' flow experiences and the impact of flow experiences on three classroom engagement behaviors (i.e., silent in-class behaviors, oral in-class behaviors, and thinking about course content). The results of the path analysis conducted on the data collected from N = 213 students revealed that optimal challenges and immediate feedback significantly predicted students' flow experiences. Additionally, students' flow experiences influenced students' engagement behaviors and mediated the relationship between optimal challenges and immediate feedback and the three engagement behaviors. Key findings, teaching implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Courses: Public Speaking, Survey of Communication Studies, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication. Objectives: This activity focuses on helping students (1) become aware of their implicit biases, (2) understand the relationship between implicit biases and the quality of arguments (i.e. unfounded ad hominem arguments), and (3) learn how to engage in meaningful classroom discussions.

Theories of Organizational Communication; Communication Theory. The proposed activity utilizes a digitally interactive global positioning system–based augmented reality game to help students (a) gain a richer learning experience through immersion and engagement with their surroundings, (b) learn how to interpret culture from observable artifacts (e.g. buildings, statues, stories), and (c) reflect on organizational culture's multilayered, multifaceted, and emergent nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many healthcare clinics encourage the use of online patient portals so that patients can have easier access to their health information, yet some patients are hesitant to interact with these portals. We used social cognitive theory to develop and test a theoretically grounded model that incorporates several (1) technological factors, (2) individual factors, and (3) social factors that influence individuals' postadoption, active use of patient portals. Based on cross-sectional survey data from a sample of healthcare clinic patients (N = 431), we found that individuals' severity of illness predicted active use of patient portals and that trust in doctors predicted attitudes toward patient portals. Moreover, attitudes toward patient portals mediated the relationship between technology factors (i.e., perceived usefulness, ease of use, customization, and interactivity), and active use of patient portals. The paper concludes with a discussion of key findings, implications, and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of current problems and opportunities associated with attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ukraine. The purpose of the article is to determine the strategy of attracting foreign investments and to determine ways to increase the investment attractiveness of Ukrainian enterprises. The article also emphasizes the relevance of the study of factors of feasibility and efficiency of the involved investments, since these indicators determine the optimal approach to work with them. The article defines the essence of the concept of "foreign direct investment". Types of presentation of the investment activity of enterprises as a whole were determined and an overview of the main types of investments that can be involved in enterprises was carried out. A comparative analysis of real and financial investments was conducted, the advantages of these types of investments for enterprises were emphasized. Also, a comparative review of the main types of direct foreign investment was conducted. Various strategies and approaches that can be successful in attracting FDI and contributing to the economic growth of the country have been analyzed. The factors that contribute to the attraction of direct foreign investment in the State are highlighted. The research in the article focuses on the challenges that Ukrainian enterprises face when attracting FDI, such as corruption, political instability and uncertain legislation. References are used to the works of various researchers who studied investment activities and the importance of investments in the formation of the enterprise's capital. The importance of developing an investment strategy was determined and areas for increasing the investment attractiveness of the company were identified. At the end of the article, additional directions for increasing the investment attractiveness of companies are proposed, such as the development of an international brand, improvement of personnel qualifications, introduction of modern technologies, partnership with local and international structures. Development of a comprehensive investment strategy and implementation of recommended measures can increase the company's competitiveness, attract foreign investors, and ensure long-term stability and growth.