ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a series of suggestions to support the launch of knowledge management initiatives within the complex environment of a hospital. It recommends steps to help healthcare organizations understand what knowledge it may have and where that knowledge exists within their walls. The chapter highlights the value of tacit knowledge the sum of the experience and expertise of its clinicians, leaders, managers, and patients as a key quality improvement resource. Knowledge management is a cultural initiative. It needs to be approached this way to ensure it is enveloped, embraced, and engaged in by all to be successful. It cannot be left to chance to achieve success. Organizations must approach knowledge management work as a designed innovation. Common considerations launching the work are to articulate the value of tacit knowledge, understanding why knowledge initiatives fail, seeing the process as a complex one and recognizing how these initiatives can help institutions become more accountable for safer care.
