Enhancement of healthcare quality using clinical‐pathways activities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the construction of the theoretic model of systematic knowledge creation in the healthcare process according to professionals' collaboration using clinical‐pathways.

Design/methodology/approach

Healthcare is a knowledge‐intensive service conducted by professionals. A clinical‐pathway is an effective tool in the knowledge management aspect of this service. The theoretic model of the medical knowledge management which used the clinical‐pathway from case studies in two hospitals is constructed.

Findings

The theoretical model shows the interaction between explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge in the healthcare process using clinical‐pathways. This theoretical model is a knowledge creation model which creates new knowledge continuously. Therefore, the clinical‐pathways are suggested as an effective tool for knowledge management in healthcare.

Practical implications

Promotion of knowledge communication between healthcare professionals by clinical‐pathways activities is important for excellent healthcare management.

Originality/value

This paper will be valuable for sustained improvement of healthcare quality by knowledge management with clinical‐pathways. In this paper, the detailed theoretic model which explains medical knowledge management with clinical‐pathways has been constructed.

Citation

Yamazaki, T., Ikeda, M. and Umemoto, K. (2011), "Enhancement of healthcare quality using clinical‐pathways activities", VINE, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 63-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/03055721111115557