Annette Thain

Biography

Annette is currently in the post of project manager , developing knowledge portals for the NHS Scotland e-Library. This is a two year secondment from the library at the Beatson Oncology Centre , the regional cancer centre for the West of Scotland .

Abstract - Knowledge Networks: Use of concept mapping to support Library and Knowledge Services effective collaboration to meet user needs.

The Managed Knowledge Networks (MKN) project for cancer, coronary heart disease and mental health in the West of Scotland investigated and mapped the provision of information services to healthcare staff and patients utilising a concept mapping tool.   Using these maps as examples, the presentation will examine the uses of the tool to ensure the provision of effective services.

The maps aid the identification of

•  Links to the patient journey

•  Gaps in information provision to sections of the patient journey

•  Gaps in the knowledge flow to users

•  Potential solutions to meet the gaps

•  Types of relationships / partners / stakeholders / output

•  Routes of knowledge transfer, consider over dependence or under utilised routes, identify more efficient routes

•  Sign posting of services to users

Concept Mapping

Concept maps are a knowledge management tool used to organise and represent knowledge – a pictorial version of ideas and relationships.   They enable the illustration of both macro (inclusive) and micro (individual) knowledge levels.   They are especially useful where a number of stakeholders and groups are involved and allows the illustration of complex relationships without the loss of detail.   They show a hierarchical structure with the most inclusive at the top and are a useful way to portray cross-links.   All the concepts/partners are linked by single words indicating the relationship with as many others as required.  

Collaboration

Collaboration and partnerships are important if the library and knowledge services are to support cross boundary working in the NHS and the provision of information to staff and the public at all stages of the patient journey.    LKS can benefit from co-operation to help meet the increased demands of the new agenda for equity of healthcare delivery by multi professional teams, for example in Scotland the Managed Clinical Networks, Community Health Partnerships and unified NHS Boards.   Highlighting the advantages of sharing resources and services and that being aware of what is available where, can save time and money by sign posting users to appropriate support.

MKN Project

The Managed Knowledge Networks project began in January 2003 to provide equitable access to knowledge support at all stages of the patient journey in cancer, coronary heart disease and mental health in the West of Scotland.   It is to develop knowledge portals within the NHS Scotland e-Library (http://www.elib.scot.nhs.uk) supported by networks of knowledge providers and users.    Mapping of the library and knowledge services available in the West of Scotland to identify sources of information for healthcare staff and the public is a major component of the project.

The project is being carried out by a team of three working with the NHS Scotland e Library team as part of the Knowledge Services Group within NHS Education for Scotland and overseen by the NHS Scotland Library Service Development Co-ordinator. The project manager is on secondment from the post of librarian at the Beatson Oncology Centre, the regional cancer centre for the West of Scotland.

This page was last updated on: 17 May, 2004