Factors influencing e-diplomacy implementation: Exploring causal relationships using interpretive structural modelling

YesElectronic diplomacy (E-diplomacy) is the use of technology by nations to define and establish diplomatic goals and objectives and to efficiently carry out the functions of diplomats. These functions include representation and promotion of the home nation, establishing both bilateral and multilateral relations, consular services and social engagement. It encapsulates the adoption of multiple ICT tools over the Internet to support a nation’s interests in other countries while ensuring that foreign relations are improved between the countries. Given its embryonic nature, little scholarly research has been undertaken to study its influence on diplomatic functions and the various factors that influence its implementation. This paper applies the Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) methodological approach to identify factors that impact the implementation of e-diplomacy and to determine their causal relationship and rankings. This study applies the ISM methodology to the subject of e-diplomacy. The ISM-based model provides a framework for practitioners to aid decision-making and manage the implementation of e-diplomacy

Toward Formulation a Maturity Framework for E-diplomacy

Digital diplomacy (e-Diplomacy), is commonly defined as the use of information and communication technology for the purposes of attaining foreign policy goals. The emerging field of digital diplomacy has been largely neglected in academic research. Also, in practice, this area has been slow to evolve compared to other areas of public service such as e-government, e-education and e-health. This research draws on the existing literature to present a novel conceptual framework that could be used to guide the implementation of e-diplomacy. A new e-diplomacy maturity framework is formulated to address the modern functions of foreign relations in today’s global environment. The e-diplomacy maturity framework is derived from the theory of growth models, the e-government maturity model, the broader literature on diplomacy and the practice of diplomacy. To validate the conceptual framework, a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with diplomats and professionals from the foreign ministries of the USA, the UK and Qatar were conducted. The novelty of this research is based on the development of a conceptual framework of e-diplomacy maturity and implementation that was built around the scaffolding of conjectures that were tested to determine their validity. It can guide research scholars wishing to explore the discipline of digital diplomacy. It will also assist foreign ministries to identify the stage they have reached in deploying ICT in their diplomatic functions. This study should also provide policy makers, diplomats, ICT managers, and practitioners with a greater understanding of the stages and factors that encourage or hinder e-diplomacy implementation and maturity

From past to present: Exploring COVID-19 in Qatar's hemodialysis population across Omicron dominant and pre-Omicron periods.

COVID-19 carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to compare the incidence and outcomes of the COVID-19 Omicron dominant period versus other pre-Omicron period in hemodialysis patients. In this observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study, we reviewed adult chronic hemodialysis patients between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Four hundred twenty-one patients had COVID-19 during the study period. The incidence of COVID-19 due to the Omicron dominant period was significantly higher than other pre-Omicron period (30.3% vs. 18.7%, P<0.001). In contrast, the admission rate to ICU was significantly lower in the Omicron dominant period than in the pre-Omicron period (2.8% vs. 25%, P<0001) but with no significant difference in ICU length of stay. The mortality rate was lower in the Omicron dominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period (2.4% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001). Using multivariate analysis, older age [OR 1.093 (95% CI 1.044-1.145); P<0.0001] and need for mechanical ventilation [OR 70.4 (95% CI 20.39-243.1); P<0.0001] were identified as two independent risk factors for death in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. In Conclusion, the COVID-19 Omicron variant had a higher incidence and lower morbidity and mortality than pre-Omicron period in our hemodialysis population

Mortality and associated risk factors of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients in Qatar: A nationwide cohort study

Context Patients on maintenance dialysis are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its severe form. We studied the mortality and associated risks of COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients in the state of Qatar. Methods This was an observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study. We included all adult patients on maintenance dialysis therapy who tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR assay of the nasopharyngeal swab) during the period from February 1, 2020, to July 19, 2020. Our primary outcome was to study the mortality of COVID-19 in dialysis patients in Qatar and risk factors associated with it. Our secondary objectives were to study incidence and severity of COVID-19 in dialysis patients and comparing outcomes between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. Patient demographics and clinical features were collected from a national electronic medical record. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors for mortality in our cohort. Results 76 out of 1064 dialysis patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (age 56±13.6, 56 hemodialysis and 20 peritoneal dialysis, 56 males). During the study period, 7.1% of all dialysis patients contracted COVID-19. Male dialysis patients had double the incidence of COVID-19 than females (9% versus 4.5% respectively; p&lt;0.01). The most common symptoms on presentation were fever (57.9%), cough (56.6%), and shortness of breath (25%). Pneumonia was diagnosed in 72% of dialysis patients with COVID-19. High severity manifested as 25% of patients requiring admission to the intensive care unit, 18.4% had ARDS, 17.1% required mechanical ventilation, and 14.5% required inotropes. The mean length of hospital stay was 19.2 ± -12 days. Mortality due to COVID-19 among our dialysis cohort was 15%. Univariate Cox regression analysis for risk factors associated with COVID-19-related death in dialysis patients showed significant increases in risks with age (OR 1.077, CI 95%(1.018–1.139), p = 0.01), CHF and COPD (both same OR 8.974, CI 95% (1.039–77.5), p = 0.046), history of DVT (OR 5.762, CI 95% (1.227–27.057), p = 0.026), Atrial fibrillation (OR 7.285, CI 95%(2.029–26.150), p = 0.002), hypoxia (OR: 16.6; CI 95%(3.574–77.715), p = &lt;0.001), ICU admission (HR30.8, CI 95% (3.9–241.2), p = 0.001), Mechanical ventilation (HR 50.07 CI 95% (6.4–391.2)), p&lt;0.001) and using inotropes(HR 19.17, CI 95% (11.57–718.5), p&lt;0.001). In a multivariate analysis, only ICU admission was found to be significantly associated with death [OR = 32.8 (3.5–305.4), p = 0.002)]. Conclusion This is the first study to be conducted at a national level in Qatar exploring COVID-19 in a dialysis population. Dialysis patients had a high incidence of COVID-19 infection and related mortality compared to previous reports of the general population in the state of Qatar (7.1% versus 4% and 15% versus 0.15% respectively). We also observed a strong association between death related to COVID-19 infection in dialysis patients and admission to ICU. </jats:sec

Factors associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 hemodialysis population in the state of Qatar.

Factors associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 hemodialysis population in the state of Qatar.</p

Clinical and demographic characteristics of surviving and non-surviving patients.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of surviving and non-surviving patients.</p