title: Embedding knowledge management in the NHS south-west: pragmatic first steps for a practical concept.
abstract: Knowledge management, like clinical governance, is a practical science. Clinical governance, with its emphasis on creating an environment where clinical quality is monitored and acted upon, is one of the foundation stones of the new National Health Service (NHS). Both knowledge management and clinical governance need to share the same criteria in order to operate. Using these two pragmatic concepts and the premise of a practical approach, this article seeks to identify the drivers for knowledge management in the NHS, highlight national initiatives and focus on the steps libraries in the south-west of England have taken to make knowledge management a reality. In so doing, the central role of the library and information service has been reinforced and embedded and librarians have been recognized for their real worth to their organizations.
authors.affiliation: North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. cplaice.southmead@dial.pipex.com
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Plaice
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kitch
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D019451:Information Management / Q000193:education*; D020407:Internet; D019359:Knowledge; D016245:Librarians; D007993:Libraries, Medical; D008485:Medical Audit; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000193:education*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010346:Patient Care Management; D011361:Professional Competence; D024382:Professional Role; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom