Knowledge management practices and information and communication technology usage in southern highlands’ district hospitals of Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction

Knowledge management has become a key factor in the success of all organisations. Information and communication technology (ICT) remains the primary technology that facilitates the sharing of information and knowledge within any organisation. As such, its usage is prominent in any form of knowledge management initiative. The value of knowledge management is greater when made available to the right people at the right time. Thus, knowledge sharing is facilitated through information and communication technology, including computers, telephones, e-mail, databases, video conferencing and many more.

Purpose

This paper investigates the practice of knowledge capture, storage, sharing, and utilisation among healthcare professionals in the Southern Highlands’ district hospitals.

Methods

Simple random sampling enabled the selection of two hundred (201) staff for participation in the study. Quantitative data generated from a questionnaire survey were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 to create frequencies, percentages, and mean scores.

Findings

The study found there was no any form of standard in KM practice among the staff; lack of commitment by the hospital management towards enhancing KM practices and limited communication facilities as significant challenges to effective KM in hospitals.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while staff in hospitals are positively in knowledge management Practices, limited ICT facilities hinder its effective implementation. It recommends that hospital management to avail the KM infrastructure to ensure effective KM practices, training and retraining of staff on the importance of KM practices and install all necessary structures to support knowledge management effectively and efficiently.