Lesley Clack

Strategies with Service Business Model Innovation

Due to the complex and fragmented nature of health care, innovative business models are needed to increase efficiency and improve quality of care. There are a vast array of barriers to innovation in health care. An understanding of the elements of a good business model design is essential to overcoming those barriers in order to implement innovative business models in healthcare. Using an innovative business model can help organizations gain competitive advantage. Knowledge of the driving factors in competition and how to build and sustain competitive advantage in health care is vital. With the understanding of the elements of a good business model design and the strategies essential to business model innovation, organizations can then understand how to integrate a business model with strategy to protect competitive advantage.

Blending Pedagogical Approaches in Public Health Education: The A.D.O.P.T. Model

Background. Developmental groundwork in the health professions begins with specialized training, knowledge acquisition, and critical thinking skills, each reliant on authentic pedagogical approaches. In response to student recommendations, and to provide a novel approach to content delivery, the authors developed a theory-based teaching model focused on activity, discussion, objectives, presentation, and transition (ADOPT). Purpose. The purpose of this article is to discuss the ADOPT model, evaluative data, and potential uses within the public health classroom. Method. To date, the model has been implemented within five content areas: disease continuum, epidemiology, environmental health, human sexuality, and research methods. Each classroom session focused on content-specific material delivered through each of the five model components with delivery order unique to each session. At the conclusion of the semester, students were asked to complete a 15-item Likert-type survey and two open-ended items regarding model efficacy. Evaluation. Assessment results from 119 students are encouraging. Measures of general course efficacy were similar between undergraduate and graduates with mean 10-point Likert-type scores of 8.3 and 8.5, respectively. Both groups reported 8.1 when asked about the benefits of the multimodal approach. Average scores on five items related to model components were 8.1 for undergraduates and 7.9 for graduates. The discussion component was given the highest score, whereas “group work” was given the lowest. Conclusion. The ADOPT model offers a promising approach toward delivery of public health content. Future iterations will enhance group interactions and explore model use within the context of distributive learning.

Examination of Leadership and Personality Traits on the Effectiveness of Professional Communication in Healthcare

A common perception exists that extroverts are better communicators than introverts, and thus make the best leaders. Research studies throughout time have consistently resulted in the belief that extroverts are more likely to emerge as leaders and are more likely to be perceived as effective. The Trait Theory of Leadership and the Personality Type Theory have been used in research to suggest that theories support that extraversion is key to professional leadership communication and success. The purpose of this article was to conduct a thorough review of leadership communication from a personality perspective. Leadership and personality theories were examined in depth through review of current and past research studies. There is a growing body of research adding to the newfound belief that introverts possess traits that can contribute to their success in leadership roles. According to a review of recent research, organizations may benefit immensely from the inclusion of introverts in leadership positions. Thus, the field of healthcare would benefit from further research regarding how best to utilize introverts within leadership of organizations. Since introverts communicate in different ways than extroverts, organizations should look at their current methods of communication and ensure that the channels of communication are effective for all types of leaders.