Reducing hospital‐acquired infections through knowledge‐sharing in work teams

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of a team‐based organizational structure for the purpose of improving the quality of the services provided by the health care system. More specifically, the research aims to investigate the efficiency of a cross‐functional team‐based structure in regard to improving knowledge‐sharing and hereby reducing hospital‐acquired infections (i.e. health‐care associated infections) caused by insufficient hand hygiene.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are drawn from interviews, observations, and desk research conducted in a large Danish university hospital. The paper has applied a case study methodology using grounded theory and has approached the analysis by employing a holistic view.

Findings

The paper identifies the necessity for educating the hygiene teams in regard to team processes. Professional knowledge of proper hygiene behavior is to be combined with knowledge of procurement, processes of change, and teamwork in such a manner that the members of the hygiene teams can implement these tools effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a small sample. The context and process imposed constraints and the findings are context specific; this has implications for the application of the findings to other settings.

Practical implications

Knowledge about proper hand washing is not enhanced through written policies and procedures.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into means of enhancing hygiene standards by the integration of organizational processes and change with knowledge and knowledge transfer within a hospital.

Citation

Lemmergaard, J. (2009), "Reducing hospital‐acquired infections through knowledge‐sharing in work teams", Team Performance Management, Vol. 15 No. 1/2, pp. 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527590910937720