Knowledge Management Strategy for Health Caredecision-makers: a Sociological Perspective

Regionalized health care decision-makers have access to a wealth of knowledge with which to inform their decisions. Little is known, however, about how the various types of knowledge are managed to optimize their use in decision-making. This study examines the knowledge management strategies of health care decision-makers working in the context of a regionalized health care system. The study is guided by a qualitative research design. It is concluded that Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) in Canada pursue a codification strategy more strongly than a personalization strategy of managing knolwedge at their disposal in decision making. Further, knowledge management practices and strategies were in place, despite the absence of a stated knowledge management policy. Recommendations include the need for RHAs to institutionalize a knowledge management policy to guide their knowledge management practices and strategies.