Date: January 22, 2025.

Place: Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT) in Barcelona.

In January 2025, I attended the presentation of the guide “Acompanyar els àpats dels infants. Consells per a les famílies i per als menjadors escolars” at the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT) in Barcelona. The event featured a panel discussion with professionals and representatives from various organizations, including the Societat Catalana de Pediatria, Associació de Mestres Rosa Sensat, aFFaC, Acellec, and journalists. They shared their perspectives on the needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents in achieving a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the main points of the presented guide were introduced, providing practical advice for families and school canteens to support children’s nutritional needs.

Competences:

• Systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of research skills and methods related to that field.
• Ability to conceive, design or create, put into practice and adopt a substantial research or creation process.
• Ability to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
• Ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general about their fields of knowledge in the modes and languages ​​commonly used in the international scientific community.
• Ability to find the key questions that must be answered to solve a complex problem.
• Ability to design and develop innovative projects.

Reflection on the Learning Undertaken:

Participating in this event provided me valuable insights into the importance of promoting healthy eating habits among children.  The discussions emphasized the role of different stakeholders, including educators, healthcare professionals, and families, in fostering a supportive environment for children’s meals.

One of the key takeaways was the significance of collaboration between various entities to ensure the successful implementation of the guide’s recommendations. The panel highlighted the importance of creating a positive mealtime experience for children, which can enhance their overall well-being and development. Additionally, the event underscored the need for continuous education and communication among all parties involved to address challenges and improve practices.

Overall, attending this presentation reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the impact of well-informed, community-based initiatives on public health. The knowledge gained from this event will be instrumental in my doctoral research, particularly in understanding the dynamics of community health promotion and the implementation of effective health strategies.

Date: October 4, 2024

Place:  Pompeu Fabra University. Barcelona. Organized by the IULATERM Group, Institute of Applied Linguistics IULA-CER.

The Healthcom Conference consists of an interdisciplinary scientific day aimed at researchers and professionals in health, applied linguistics, terminology, and communication in this field.

Among the highlights of the conference, there were discussions on how play facilitates communication in hospitalized paediatric patients, improving their understanding of information, providing emotional support, and normalizing their situation. Additionally, strategies to enhance doctor-patient communication in paediatric settings were also discussed.

Another important topic covered was gender bias in paediatric care, where perspectives on the facilitators of this bias and its implications for children’s health were provided.

Competences:

Ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general about their fields of knowledge in the modes and languages ​​commonly used in the international scientific community.

Ability to promote, in academic and professional contexts, scientific, technological, social, artistic or cultural progress within a knowledge-based society.

Reflection on the Learning Undertaken:

Attending the Healthcom Conference provided important knowledge about how health communication, applied linguistics and terminology, come together in healthcare environments. The discussions on how play facilitates communication in hospitalized pediatric patients were particularly enlightening. I learned how play can significantly improve children’s understanding of medical information, provide emotional support, and help normalize their hospital experience. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective communication strategies that cater to the unique needs of paediatric patients.

The conference also highlighted the importance of enhancing doctor-patient communication in paediatric settings. The strategies discussed will be instrumental in my research, as they offer practical approaches to improving interactions between healthcare providers and young patients. Understanding these strategies will enable me to contribute to the development of more effective communication practices in healthcare.

Another critical topic covered was gender bias in paediatric care. The perspectives shared on this bias and its implications for children’s health underscored the need for equitable healthcare practices. This aligns with my research focus on community health improvement, as addressing gender bias is essential for ensuring fair and just healthcare for all children.

The conference reinforced the significance of clear and empathetic communication in healthcare and provided practical strategies to address communication challenges.  This perspective is essential for more equitable healthcare practices and policies, which aligns with my research focus on community health improvement. Moreover, the ability to communicate effectively with both the academic and scientific community and society in general is crucial for advancing knowledge and promoting progress within a knowledge-based society.