Knowledge Management in Healthcare

Knowledge management goes beyond data and information capture in computerized health records and ordering systems; it includes care delivery, teamwork, and organizational learning. Knowledge management - used thoughtfully - takes a systemic approach to developing a learning culture, then supports that culture and the knowledge workers within it to share what they know, enabling their peers, their organizations and ultimately their patients to benefit. Knowledge Management in Healthcare draws on relevant business, clinical and health administration literature and discussions with a variety of clinical, administrative, knowledge management and information experts. The result is a book that will inform thinking on knowledge access needs to mitigate potential failures, design improvements and support work towards attaining high reliability. It can be used as a general tool for leaders and individuals wishing to devise and implement a knowledge-sharing culture in their institution, and to strengthen existing programs intended to enhance knowledge sharing behaviours.