Sharing good practice: knowledge in action

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the development of the NHS Clinical Governance Support Team's (CGST) information products, with a focus on good practice “eurekas” and an integrated management system for storing knowledge and learning; an intranet‐based “action points” system.Design/methodology/approachThe process behind development of a set of products and a system to capture and share good practice in health care.FindingsTo ensure that good practice in clinical governance was being disseminated effectively, and to celebrate success, the CGST developed “eurekas” as short, structured accounts of local improvements to health care. To enhance the number of “raw” eurekas turned into finished, online products, the process of production was streamlined through an online “action points” system. This is an effective knowledge management tool for storing, retrieving and monitoring the development of information into a range of products for sharing across the NHS (e.g. stories, case studies). The system was developed in parallel with the team's website and intranet.Originality/valueThe stages in development of CGST information products since 2000 are outlined, along with the principles behind an efficient system for capturing good practice and CGST learning. Tips on information product development and distribution are given.