Title: A typology of knowledge management strategies for hospital preparedness: what lessons can be learned?

Authors: Meir Russ, Jeannette K. Jones

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Wood Hall 460 G, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7001, USA. ' Franklin University, 201 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Abstract: Recently, hospital emergency preparedness has come under scrutiny. Having a written plan, even training for every possible attack might not be sufficient if there is a shortage in the required local knowledge and capacity. Until recently, knowledge management has not been at the core of the healthcare business model despite healthcare being a knowledge-intensive business. Hospitals are becoming aware of the need for capturing the knowledge of their staff and focusing on the efficient and effective use of information technology. The authors modified slightly an earlier typology of six different Knowledge-Based (KB) strategies that was validated in the business-for-profit sector to fit the unique aspects of KB strategies for hospital preparedness. Based on the proposed typology, hospitals have a number of choices to consider. Since organisational cultures are different, this suggests that each hospital must tailor a disaster plan to fit its unique characteristics, environment and history.

Keywords: knowledge-based strategy; hospital preparedness; emergency management; knowledge management; healthcare; disaster management; planning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2005.008743

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2005 Vol.2 No.4, pp.319 - 342

Published online: 20 Jan 2006 *

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