communication and storage of scientific information

• any organisation that employs a significant number of employees needs to have a structure that allows the organisation to function
• in most large scientific organisations there is a hierarchy
• this means that the most senior people will have others that report to them
• structure of organisation   * the structure depends in a number of factors   * the size of organisation   * the particular routines that are carried out   * whether the organisation is spread over several sites or concentrated on a single site   * whether the organisation is split into different groups or teams
• typical structure

• reporting of results   * the results generated in a scientific workplace need to be communicated to those that need to know them   * day to day results will be recorded via computer based reporting system,lab notebooks,printouts from equipment and at team meetings   * all of those methods may be used for generating reports that get sent to those who need them
• blood tests   * blood samples are routinely taken from patients for a variety of tests on the blood   * the doctor initiates the test   * several lines of communication are required what information needs to be and to whom? - their surgical history,blood history,infection,allergies etc etc   * people in the lab needs to know where the sample of blood comes from,patient details and the test that needs to be done
• scientific terminology   * in communicating information it is important that the correct terminology is used and understood by all members of the team regardless of location   * this is important to prevent confusion from occurring if information is shared by a number of different sites
• security   * information must be kept secure so that only those people who need to use the information can access it   * examples of need for secure information   * results of drug trails   * personal medical records
• roles and responsibilities   * it is important that every member of a team knows what they are supposed to do in the workplace   * a well organised workplace will have key roles defined and will have individuals to whom a person can go when they need guidance
• communication   * formal ::   * memo   * letter   * meeting with minutes   * email   * informal::   * chat   * text   * social media
• what does the senior manager need to know   * staff numbers - people off sick and on training   * quantity and quality of work by staff   * results of work being carried out   * accidents /health and safety issues   * faulty or outdated equipment   * any other problems

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