A scoping review of artificial intelligence application for knowledge transfer and retention in medical institutions: Implications for medical librarians

Abstract

The study examined the application of AI for knowledge transfer and retention in medical institutions, and the implication for medical librarians. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines was adopted for the study. Research articles were included using eligibility criteria of years considered, language, publication status, publication source, and methodology/design. The PRISMA flowchart was used to select 41 studies across Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and ACM Digital Library. Data charting was used to generate key concepts/themes and relevant findings from the included studies. The findings revealed that AI is currently being applied for medical knowledge transfer and retention, using identified AI tools. This application has prompted emerging roles for medical librarians as knowledge custodians. These roles are to promote algorithmic literacy, advocate for transparent AI, ethical data management, and stakeholder collaborations. This application is fraught with challenges like ethical issues, AI algorithm bias and inadequate technological infrastructure. The ScR offered a novel synthesis of evidence that reflect the application of AI for knowledge retention and transfer in medical institutions, which is currently underexplored. It advances originality by highlighting the roles and challenges for medical librarians. The ScR concluded that AI applications in medical institutions are fundamental interventions to remedy knowledge loss and ensure that the available organizational knowledge is adequately shared among health professionals for sustaining corporate value and competitive advantage.