Abstract
This research is characterised m; its overlap of research influences from management and healthcare. This research is an attempt to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on thelinkages between three multidisciplinary research themes; (healthcare management concepts, information and communication technology (ICT) and knowledge management (KM). The objective of this research is to examine the feasibility of incorporating the KM paradigm in healthcare. This research discusses whether it would be beneficial for healthcare institutions (His) to adopt the KM paradigm so as to facilitate effective decision-making in the context of healthcare delivery.
This research contends that the key to success of healthcare in the twenty first century is an effective integration of technology with the human clinical decision-making process. It is therefore important to develop a conceptual KM health framework that encompasses technological, organisational and managerial perspectives. The research design, guided by a qualitative philosophy, was inductive in nature and used the case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives.
Empirical data was gathered via a main case. The findings from the main case, in conjunction with inputs from the literature review, formed an iterative process. The analysis of the collated
data resulted in a first level conceptual KM framework for Healthcare organizations.
Data was then gathered from five additional case studies to (1) validate the findings obtained from the main case and (2) to cam; out a cross-case analysis. Data was collected from personnel
at the five cases m; way of structured and semi-structured interviews, observations, archival records, telephone and virtual interviews. The analysis of the data obtained from the five cases
lead to a revision of the first conceptual KM framework, resulting in a revised (and final) KM Healthcare framework, complemented by a User Guide which included a structured "walkthrough"
for Healthcare institutions.
Based on the above empirical data, this research introduces the Organisation Current Knowledge Design (OCKD) framework- a new, holistic, conceptual KM health framework. The model would enable healthcare stakeholders and His to better understand the multi-faceted perspectives that together form the healthcare paradigm.
The OCKD framework is the first holistic KM framework for His. The value of the framework is that it would assist His in light of their ICT implementation level in the process of discovery
and creation of new knowledge. It would allow His to decide how best to disseminate the knowledge acquired in a manner that ensures that it is available to other healthcare stakeholders
for preventative and operative medical diagnosis and treatment when required. This work has considerable utility in the U.K. where healthcare management is being regarded as a priority
area.
The framework could be used by His to learn from each other experiences, so as to avoid going through the same turbulent transition with respect to reorganisation of healthcare processes,
and would present the healthcare industry; with best practice healthcare models.
| Date of Award | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Rajeev K Bali (Supervisor), Anne James (Supervisor) & Robert M. Newman (Supervisor) |