Patient-centered knowledge sharing in healthcare organizations: Identifying the external barriers

Knowledge Sharing for Maternal Health at a Public Hospital in South Africa

Purpose: This paper investigates knowledge sharing for maternal health in one of the major public referral hospitals in South Africa–the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Poor knowledge on maternal health continues to present a global challenge, particularly in developing countries where maternal mortality remains very high. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study and case study design were conducted to obtain an in-depth understanding of knowledge sharing for maternal health in one of the major public referral hospitals in South Africa. Convenience sampling of 35 pregnant women was undertaken. In-depth face-to-face interviews were employed to the point of saturation. Findings: The findings revealed elementary knowledge sharing for maternal health and several challenges to knowledge sharing. Limitations: This paper focuses on knowledge sharing at the antenatal care unit. Although effective knowledge sharing during antenatal phase may enhance post-natal care, it will have been beneficial to also understand the post-natal perspective of knowledge sharing. Furthermore, issues of representativeness may result from the use of convenience sampling. However, the purpose of this study is not to generalise the results but to provide an in-depth understanding of knowledge sharing for maternal health in a public hospital in South Africa and suggests a dynamic interactive strategy to enhance knowledge sharing that may effectively improve maternal health. Practical implication: Strategies for knowledge sharing for maternal health were established. The paper concluded that increasing knowledge sharing on safe motherhood practices would translate into safer pregnancy outcomes and would subsequently lead to lower maternal mortality. Knowledge sharing is critical in improving maternal health in a developing country like South Africa, where maternal deaths during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium remain a significant public health issue. Goal 3 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed in 2015 seeks to promote good health and well-being and to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Knowledge sharing is crucial in reducing the MMR. Originality/value: Studies conducted on knowledge sharing in the health sector have focused mainly on health professionals and the use of technology for mobile health. This paper adds to the body of knowledge-on-knowledge management and healthcare services, with specific focus on knowledge sharing and maternal care. Knowledge sharing for maternal health will reduce pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood-related health risks.

Information technology and knowledge sharing for better health care: an emerging economy context

Purpose

The present study aims to explore “what” type of knowledge is shared, “how” it is shared and what information and communication tools are used to share knowledge among health-care professionals in the context of emerging “digital laggard” country in the South-Eastern European region (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina [B&H]).

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the qualitative research methodology and thematic analysis for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Primary data is collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Key informants are employees of the main primary health-care institution in the capital of B&H.

Findings

The results indicate that knowledge sharing among primary health-care practitioners is the interplay of formal and informal exchange of knowledge, facilitated by both traditional communication media (face-to-face interaction) and ICT-based tools. In regards to ICT tools, our findings suggest that instant messing applications (predominantly Viber) are viewed as common media for sharing tacit knowledge within a community of practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to one emerging digital laggard country; thus, future research regarding ICT-based knowledge sharing in other emerging digital laggard countries is welcomed.

Originality/value

In the context of “digital laggard”, societies, informal, spontaneous and dynamic system of social interactions can be a successful substitute for ICT-based formalised and structured system of knowledge sharing.

Towards digital scholarship services in China’s university libraries

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a literature review that aimed to establish a guiding framework for the development of digital scholarship services in China’s university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was developed through systematically searching, screening, assessing, coding and aggregating digital scholarship services as reported in the existing body of literature. Three types of literature were included in the analysis: international academic literature as reported in English; academic literature in Chinese; and relevant professional reports.

Findings

The literature analysis pointed to 25 different digital scholarship services, which emerged in six themes: supporting services, formulating research ideas, locating research partners, writing proposals, conducting research and publishing results.

Originality/value

Although this literature review focused on university libraries in China, the research findings and the guiding framework developed provide useful insights and indications that can be shared across international borders.

Attitudes Toward Genomic Testing and Prostate Cancer Research Among Black Men

INTRODUCTION

Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at nearly twice the rate of white men and are underrepresented in prostate cancer research, including validation studies of new clinical tools (e.g., genomic testing). Because healthcare system mistrust has contributed to these disparities for centuries, black men may be less inclined to pursue novel testing, and identification of facilitators to their participation in prostate cancer research studies remains warranted.

METHODS

A community-engaged approach involving a partnership with a community organization was used to conduct seven focus groups in Minnesota, Alabama, and California to explore black men's attitudes toward prostate cancer research participation and genomic testing for prostate cancer. Data were collected and analyzed from April 2015 to April 2017.

RESULTS

Identified genomic testing barriers included a lack of terminology understanding, healthcare system mistrust, reluctance to seek medical care, and unfavorable attitudes toward research. Facilitators included family history, value of prevention, and the desire for health education. Lack of prostate cancer knowledge, prostate-specific antigen testing confusion, healthcare system distrust, and misuse of personal health information were barriers to research study participation. Some black men were motivated to participate in research if it was seen as constructive and transparent.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities for black men can both motivate and disincentivize participation depending upon a positive or negative view of research. Confusion over prostate cancer clinical care has fueled some mistrust among black men affecting both clinical care and research participation. With increased education, health literacy, and assurances of research integrity and transparency, black men may be more willing to participate in prostate cancer testing and research.

SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION

This article is part of a supplement entitled African American Men's Health: Research, Practice, and Policy Implications, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.