Knowledge work in nursing and midwifery: an evaluation through computer-mediated communication.
Recent changes in policy and culture require health workers to incorporate "knowledge work" as a routine component of professional practice. Innovative computer-mediated communication technologies provide the opportunity to evaluate the nature of "knowledge work" within nursing and midwifery. This study embedded an online discussion system into an acute NHS Trust to support interaction within communities of practice. The complete record of online communications was analysed. Nurses were found to predominantly engage in information work with knowledge work restricted to senior-to-senior level exchanges. In contrast, midwives were observed to employ the technology to support knowledge work between all grades. The study indicates that technology can support knowledge work, including conveying tacit knowledge effectively.
Brooks
Fiona
F
Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, Wright Building, Hatfield Campus, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Scott
Peter
P
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003142:Communication; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D019359:Knowledge; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D048108:Nursing Informatics / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009862:Online Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012649:Self Concept; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom