Moving Toward a Virtual Knowledge Platform for Faith Community Nurses

In preparation for the development of a virtual knowledge platform for faith community nurses, a review of literature explored the prevalence and context of electronic knowledge management initiatives. The review revealed that healthcare, business, and global virtual knowledge platforms have been developed to elicit certain behaviors in users. For those who develop virtual knowledge platforms, the results are improved efficiency, innovation, accessibility, and cost savings. The main component of virtual knowledge platforms is a central repository or an infrastructure where knowledge is created, acquired, stored (documents), updated, and shared internally and externally. The refinery processes refer to technology mechanisms that make content accessible. A transparent collaboration among information technology, knowledge owners, and users is needed to successfully sustain a virtual knowledge platform. Faith community nurses often practice in isolated environments. A virtual knowledge platform where practice resources and tools are shared, and communication among peers exists, may improve knowledge and skills and result in a positive impact on patient outcomes.