The most simplistic definition of knowledge management is the continual transformation of data into actionable knowledge for improved decision making. However, this process is far from simple. In order for this process to be meaningful, you must select the right data, ask the right questions and communicate in a way that promotes enhanced decision making.
When knowledge management theory is applied to the delivery of healthcare and medical decision making, tremendous gains can be made. In this way, clinical knowledge management is similar to well-established knowledge management practices in the business world. However, clinical knowledge management is complicated by the fact that the goal is not always to improve the bottom line.
In healthcare and medical decision making, goals can include reducing adverse events, improving quality of life, reducing mortality, ensuring access to care, improving the health of entire populations, reducing cost of care, improving efficiency and more. Through the effective use of clinical knowledge management, these seemingly unreachable goals can be achieved.
Further reading about Clinical Knowledge Management:
