The Role and Relevance of Knowledge and Knowledge Management in the Health Sector: An Irish Case Study

The role and relevance of knowledge and knowledge management in the health sector: An Irish Case study. The health sector in Ireland is undergoing substantial reform as a result of new public management initiatives designed to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency. This study focuses on the potential for improvements in knowledge management practices in the sector. This is illustrated through an in-depth case study that utilises a busy regional hospital in the Republic of Ireland as the case study exemplar. Data was gathered via a series of semi-structured interviews with a cross-section of hospital staff ranging from clinical nurse managers and practitioners to consultants and the chief executive of the hospital. The collected data was analysed utilising a three-stage sequential qualitative coding process. The analysis finds that knowledge is relatively compartmentalised, siloed and not shared as comprehensively as it might be. Access to knowledge is also somewhat limited, as is the measurement of its relevance. In terms of knowledge, the only specific metrics that appear to be utilised are patient numbers, and there are no particular practices in place to gather subsequent metrics on post-treatment recovery times, rehabilitation parameters, and general aftercare. This inhibits organisational learning and practice improvement. The recommendations presented - based on the findings - are aimed at introducing knowledge initiatives in the health sector to improve future organisational performance. In particular, it is recommended that a chief knowledge officer (CKO) is appointed to oversee knowledge initiatives and to improve and embed knowledge management best practices. This role should be supported by a knowledge analysis unit that reports directly to the CKO. Its role is to implement knowledge management best practice, and also to take responsibility for technology enabling initiatives especially those that promote intra departmental knowledge sharing. These recommendations can contribute to improvements in knowledge management and practice in healthcare and ultimately lead to improved patient experiences and outcomes