Contributed Paper Abstract
Adapting Ethnographic Methodology to Investigate Workflow Process to Promote Knowledge Management Practice in a Public Health Environment
Patricia Lee and Nunzia B. Giuse, M.D., The Annette and Irwin Eskind Biomedical Library, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; and Nila A. Sathe, Project Management Institute, Newtown Square, PA.
Purpose: To conduct a workflow analysis and information audit of targeted public health officials to create strategies for overcoming knowledge fade and reveal unrecognized needs.
Setting and Subjects: A statewide partnership between an academic medical library and public health agencies begun in 1999 created a collaboration to deliver specialized training programs and services to over 300 public health officials.
Methodology: Observational study using ethnographic techniques, including observation, tracking events and sequences, and immersion guiding the selection of key public health officials to create a model for skills integration.
Results: Eight individuals initially selected by the Deputy Commissioner of Health from various units within the Bureau of Health Services were interviewed for potential interest in the project. Twenty-three individual and group meetings were attended by the investigator observer between December 2000 - March 2001 for 74.5 hours to identify individuals for in-depth observation, workflow analysis and knowledge management training. The investigator observer established an office in the state department of health to provide opportunities to observe, experience and participate in the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) group project sessions. Workflow process analysis was critical to delineate essential functions, key areas that would benefit from information integration, and prioritization of training needs. Two individuals selected for in-depth knowledge management training spent an additional 40 on-site contact hours with the investigator observer for skills integration supplemented by phone and email communication.
Discussion/Conclusion: Analysis of data indicates the ethnographic techniques utilized revealed structure, patterns and variables of information seeking behavior in this public health population. The success and challenge of ethnographic observation and immersion for an off-campus site are documented through field notes, email, the LEP project report, questionnaires and final taped oral interviews with two individuals in September 2001.
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