Sticky knowledge: a possible model for investigating implementation in healthcare contexts

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Knowledge Management
• Evidence-Based Practice Implementation

Background:

• A significant gap exists between healthcare evidence and practice.
• Organizational change in healthcare is difficult, mirroring challenges in other sectors.
• Knowledge management is an emerging but critical area in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the applicability of a conceptual model for knowledge transfer to evidence-based practice implementation in healthcare.
• To adapt business knowledge management theories for healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Applied the 'sticky knowledge' model, integrating communication theory and knowledge transfer milestones.
• Utilized a hypothetical primary care scenario focused on improving palliative care services.
• Analyzed knowledge transfer through a doctor's experience across two primary care posts.

Main Results:

• Szulanski's sticky knowledge model factors were applicable to primary care knowledge implementation challenges.
• Identified key factors: causal ambiguity, knowledge credibility, source/recipient motivation, absorptive/retentive capacity, organizational context, and relationship quality.
• Demonstrated the model's utility in understanding barriers to new knowledge adoption.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge transfer factors significantly influence the success or failure of implementing new practices in healthcare.
• Further empirical research is needed to validate these findings within diverse healthcare contexts.