Knowledge work in nursing and midwifery: an evaluation through computer mediated communication

Brooks, Fiona and Scott, Peter (2006). Knowledge work in nursing and midwifery: an evaluation through computer mediated communication. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 43(1) pp. 83–97.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2005.02.003

Abstract

Recent changes in policy and culture require health workers to incorporate “knowledge work” as a routine component of professional practice. Innovative computer-mediated communication technologies provide the opportunity to evaluate the nature of “knowledge work” within nursing and midwifery. This study embedded an online discussion system into an acute NHS Trust to support interaction within communities of practice. The complete record of online communications was analysed.

Nurses were found to predominantly engage in information work with knowledge work restricted to senior-to-senior level exchanges. In contrast, midwives were observed to employ the technology to support knowledge work between all grades.

The study indicates that technology can support knowledge work, including conveying tacit knowledge effectively.

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About

• Item ORO ID
• 8628
• Item Type
• Journal Item
• ISSN
• 0020-7489
• Keywords
• Knowledge work; Nursing informatics; Professional communication; National service frameworks; Computer-mediated communication
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Knowledge Media Institute (KMi)
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Research Group
• Centre for Research in Computing (CRC)
• Depositing User
• Peter Scott