Title: Sharing professional knowledge in the health care sector

Authors: Robert Lewis

Addresses: Professor of Knowledge Technology, University of Lancaster, UK

Abstract: This paper starts by reviewing concerns over the validity and security of information systems in the healthcare sector that are universal. It then introduces two scenarios for professional communities which are present in the United Kingdom but which may need cultural reinterpretation. There are then insights from two European projects which investigated the role of communications media to support human-human interaction. Drawing on these outcomes, it returns to the scenarios and suggests ways in which the potential of information and communication technology may support the work of the communities involved. The need for pilot implementations is argued and the paper concludes by identifying key factors in the creation and establishment of ||virtual|| organisations.

Keywords: computer-mediated communication; information and communication technology; medical communities; professional knowledge; tacit knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2000.001093

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2000 Vol.2 No.5/6, pp.456-476

Published online: 30 Jun 2003 *

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