Implicit and explicit knowledge assets in healthcare.

Abstract

Data and information permeate healthcare organizations and more recently are often stored in disparate databases. However, given the voluminous nature of these disparate data assets, it is no longer possible for healthcare providers to process these data without the aid of sophisticated tools and technologies. The goal of knowledge management is to provide the decision maker with appropriate tools, technologies, techniques, and tactics to turn data and information into valuable knowledge assets. In order to leverage the full potential of implicit and explicit knowledge assets in healthcare delivery; it is essential to not only understand the knowledge construct, but also important frameworks and models such as the knowledge management infrastructure (KMI) framework and intelligence continuum (IC) model as discussed in this chapter. Material from this chapter has been adapted from Wickramasinghe, N. (2010). Healthcare Knowledge Management: Incorporating the tools technologies strategies and process of KM to effect superior healthcare delivery. In Gibbons et al. (Eds.), Perspectives of knowledge management in urban health. New York: Springer.