Knowledge work in nursing and midwifery: An evaluation through computer-mediated communication

Fiona Brooks, Peter Scott

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Articlepeer-review

    31 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    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.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)83-97
    Number of pages15
    JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies
    Volume43
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan. 2006

    Keywords

    • Computer-mediated communication
    • Knowledge work
    • National service frameworks
    • Nursing informatics
    • Professional communication

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