Knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management is very useful to the most departments and sectors of the economy, and the healthcare sector is no exception. Thus, this paper aims to explore how healthcare professionals share knowledge in the Ghanaian healthcare sector. It also ascertains challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Ghana with regards to knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a case study research design. Data were collected from some healthcare professions working in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality in Ghana using face-to-face interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis technique.

Findings

The results show that the healthcare facilities studied do not have any formal knowledge management systems, and therefore healthcare professionals rely on informal conversations and seminars to share knowledge. Again, it was found that lack of trust, lack of technological facilities, lack of organizational policy regarding, fear of getting extra task or responsibility, network failure (both mobile phone and internet) and culture are some of the challenge healthcare professionals face in sharing knowledge.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge sharing literature especially in the healthcare sector in Ghana, as limited studies have been conducted in this area.

Citation

Assem, P.B. and Pabbi, K.A. (2016), "Knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals in Ghana", VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, Vol. 46 No. 4, pp. 479-491. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-08-2015-0048