Information technology and knowledge sharing for better health care: an emerging economy context

Abstract

PurposeThe present study aims to explore “what” type of knowledge is shared, “how” it is shared and what information and communication tools are used to share knowledge among health-care professionals in the context of emerging “digital laggard” country in the South-Eastern European region (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina [B&H]).Design/methodology/approachThis study applies the qualitative research methodology and thematic analysis for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Primary data is collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Key informants are employees of the main primary health-care institution in the capital of B&H.FindingsThe results indicate that knowledge sharing among primary health-care practitioners is the interplay of formal and informal exchange of knowledge, facilitated by both traditional communication media (face-to-face interaction) and ICT-based tools. In regards to ICT tools, our findings suggest that instant messing applications (predominantly Viber) are viewed as common media for sharing tacit knowledge within a community of practice.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to one emerging digital laggard country; thus, future research regarding ICT-based knowledge sharing in other emerging digital laggard countries is welcomed.Originality/valueIn the context of “digital laggard”, societies, informal, spontaneous and dynamic system of social interactions can be a successful substitute for ICT-based formalised and structured system of knowledge sharing.