Role of Knowledge Management in Providing Quality Care: A Conceptual Model

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to signify the effect of factors relating to knowledge management on quality care to patients. A theoretical framework is proposed linking healthcare practitioners’ motivation, knowledge adoption, adaption to web technologies and knowledge friendly culture on quality of care given to patients. The study includes two levels of variables to impart quality care, one is at the level of healthcare practitioner and another is at the organizational level. The factors regarding healthcare practitioner include the motivation to use knowledge management system, knowledge adoption and adaption to web technologies. The factor relating to organization includes the knowledge friendly culture. The conceptual model could be empirically tested using data from healthcare organizations. Propositions are posited for further research. The paper provides value to academicians and practitioners. The outcomes of the empirical study would identify the key factors that pushes healthcare practitioner to contribute to knowledge management system and the policy level modifications could be made to develop, alter and sustain knowledge friendly culture.