A Framework for Designing Nursing Knowledge Management Systems
20
Evaluation Knowledge
codification
Knowledge transfer
Integration Electronic portal (e-portal)
Decision support systems
(DSS)
Group Decision support systems
(GDSS)
Learning tools
Table 2 presents a set of KM technical functions of nursing KMS and illustrates a variety of enabling
IT that may be drawn upon for supporting nursing practices in health care organizations. Of
course, they are far from complete and exhaustive. The nursing KMS designers should decide on
which practice(s) of the nursing process will focus on and link it to and employ enabling IT facilities
as necessary. For example, if the intent is to provide nurses with the ability to search for detailed
medical information to assist in assessment tasks, then a nursing KMS with detailed structured
information and personalized healthcare records must be provided. Moreover, a nurse can
also use knowledge directories (such as e-portal), search engines, and visualization (such as
PACIS) to view other patient information sources.
Concluding Remarks
In this paper, we proposed an integrated model which emphasizes the interplay between nursing
process and KM technical functions in the development of nursing KMS. Based on the
task/technology fit theory, we further identify a set of KM technical functions that are necessary
for a nursing KMS and a variety of enabling IT that can be used to support nursing practices and
KM activities. The conceptual framework would immensely help healthcare organizations to
identify their IT needs and to plan for the KM activities and technical infrastructure of the nursing
KMS.
The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, the framework provides a systematic guideline
for KMS designers to adopt the enabling IT and the needed KM technical functions to support the
activities in nursing process when designing a nursing KMS. With this framework, KMS designers
can work with nursing professionals to easily identify suitable IT associated with the nursing
process when developing a nursing KMS. Second, it can help the healthcare administrators and
professionals to evaluate the potential of enabling IT and the opportunity it created to rethink or
reengineer the nursing process and the associated activities based on the enabling IT capability.
The work is the beginning of a line of research focused on nursing informatics. It aims to develop
a conceptual framework to identify the critical factors that involve in the development of nursing
KMS. The proposed framework is far from complete and is a conceptual framework for action.
Future research directions are abundant. For instance, in order to increase the applicability and
usefulness of this framework, future research and development approach needs to be conducted to
validate or enhance the proposed framework. Other issues may include integration with other information
systems in healthcare environment to expand system capability.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully thank the anonymous Reviewers and Editor-in Chief for their valuable
comments to enhance the quality of this paper. This research was supported by the National Science
Council of Taiwan (Project No. NSC 93-2416-H-110-015)
References
Alavi, M. & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual
foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25(1), 107-136