The results of laboratory and field investigations are used to suggest approaches to the analysis of international negotiation. A framework is developed in terms of the way in which nations arrive at their positions or postures, the process of negotiating, and the consequences of negotiation outcomes for the international system. Position formation is considered from the standpoint of the national attribute and policymaking process perspectives. Aspects of the negotiating process emphasized include preconditions and preparations, commitment tactics and concession‐making strategies, and such interferences as cultural differences, personal style, attributions, and stresses. Consequences are discussed in terms of conflict and cooperation among nations and the relationship between behaviors and structures in international relations. The strategies of moving between levels of analysis and of weaving together diverse data sources into a mosaic of influences yield insights that contribute to an understanding of negotiating in the international context.

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This paper presents an extension of Leiserson's formulation of the process by which actors balance value and power considerations in coalition formation. First, two components of value are considered (e.g., ideology and interests). The two component version of the model is evaluated by data provided by participants in a simulated interreligious decision-making council. Estimates for model parameters are provided and the amount of variance accounted for by various combinations of parameters is determined by multiple regression techniques. The formalization is then generalized to the case of n-components of value. A further extension takes account of the conflict between representational role obligations and personal values. Finally, various elaborations of the model are discussed including the consideration of changes that occur through time in the weighting (balancing) process.

AimsSafeguarding is a core aspect of paediatric practice to protect children from maltreatment in the community and in hospital. General Practitioners (GPs) are pivotal to coordination of care and response to safeguarding issues, and it is vital that relevant information is shared clearly and effectively between the hospital and GPs. Our aim was to assess and improve the quality of information recorded in discharge summaries in children with new or pre-existing safeguarding concerns.MethodsChildren with new or existing safeguarding concerns presenting to a London tertiary hospital are recorded in a database. One hundred presentations were identified over twelve months. Summaries were assessed using a proforma developed from local and national guidelines. Interventions to improve DSUMs recording were assessed for their impact after each cycle (Figure 1).Results Figure 2 summaries the results of the three cycles. Safeguarding concerns were reported in 60%, 40% and 35% respectively, and specific concerns similarly detailed in 40%, 55% and 32% of discharge summaries. Following the second cycle, further training and a checklist using the acronym ‘SAFER’ was implemented (Figure 3). A survey of GPs was conducted confirming key information they required in summaries.Social worker involvement was mentioned in 43% for the first two cycles and 36% in the final cycle. The IT system at the hospital is currently being modified to prompt doctors to include all relevant information.ConclusionsThere were inconsistencies in reporting of all relevant and appropriate information relating to child safeguarding concerns. Possible barriers include anxiety about recording sensitive information, non-paediatric specialities recording only specialty specific information such as operation details and trainees completing summaries not directly involved in care of the child, due to shifts. Interventions have not consistently changed practice; therefore an electronic solution has been developed to include mandatory prompts for relevant and appropriate safeguarding information. The electronic solution has been approved for introduction, and will be developed and evaluated. While this intervention may improve quality of reporting, senior supervision remains vital in monitoring the quality of the information that is essential for successful multidisciplinary and multiagency working to safeguard children.Abstract G310(P) Figure 1Flowchart of cycles and implementationsAbstract G310(P) Figure 2Graph of results from each audit cycleAbstract G310(P) Figure 3'SAFER' Discharge summary (DSUM) cheklist