Introduction

The purpose of the HKSC model template is twofold:
(1.) to transform the hospital library function into a health care knowledge services center; and
(2.) to emphasize the importance of knowledge among health care professionals within the organization.

The current information explosion provides the Healthcare Knowledge Services Center (HKSC) with opportunities to become a critical player in organizational information and knowledge management. An HKSC can assist an organization maintain its competitive advantage in the marketplace. The HKSC must become an "integral player" to the organization if they are to succeed in helping their health care organization realize: 1.) exceptional quality control; 2.) high risk management standards; and 3.) optimum patient safety levels. The emergence of evidence-based practice (EBP) has become paramount to all health care organizations. EBP will provide an HKSC with increased opportunities for wider visibility within the organization.

Purpose

To define a sustainable model template for the Healthcare Knowledge Services Center that encompasses transitioning a traditional medical library into a "vibrant" knowledge services center, integral to the health care organization.

Timeline

5 years out (2010-2015); pilots (2011-12)

Rationale for Making Transition

1.) Knowledge management (KM) provides a positive push forward;
2.) KM provides the “bridge” between information and best practice (see "Knowledge Pyramid", below);
3.) KM supports institutional goals:
a.) exceptional quality control;
b.) high risk management standards; and
c.) optimum patient safety levels;
4.) KM offers health care organizations a competitive edge in market; and
5.) KM provides hospital librarians with an ideal window of opportunity to become dynamic players in the confluence of several critical current events:
a.) the information explosion;
b.) the national push for health care reform;
c.) the universal adoption of evidence-based practice; and
d.) the emerging trend of "self-directed practice", where patients take responsibility for their own personal health (e.g., EHRs).