How to Handle Knowledge Management in Healthcare: A Description of a Model to Deal with the Current and Ideal Situation

Abstract

There are many arguments why healthcare organizations need knowledge management. In The Netherlands, there are some things going on, like a new defrayment and remuneration system for the hospitals, the increasing aging population, the focus on quality, efficiency and effectiveness and the existence of more, very specialized disciplines, that there is a need for knowledge management. This chapter describes a model that can be used to chart the current situation regarding knowledge management. The model is based upon the primary and supported processes, a division in types of knowledge and a knowledge cycle. The use of the model is demonstrated by a case description. Conclusions which are drawn from the recap of the case description showing that the model can be useful but some things must be taking into account, such as the size of a case and its boundaries.