B. Maženytė-Lukoševičienė “Knowledge transfer in open health communities” doctoral dissertation defense

Author, Institution: Brigita Maženytė-Lukoševičienė, Kaunas University of Technology

Science area, field of science: Social Sciences, Management, S003

Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Monika Petraitė (Kaunas University of Technology, Social Sciences, Management, S003)

Scientific Advisor: Prof. Dr. Rūta Jolanta Nadišauskienė (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Medicine, M001) – 2018-2021 m. m.

Dissertation Defense Board of Management Science Field:
Prof. Dr. Žaneta Gravelines (Kaunas University of Technology, Social Sciences, Management, S003) – chairperson
Prof. Dr. Ettore Bolisani (University of Padua, Italy, Social Sciences, Management, S003)
Prof. Dr. Lina Dagilienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Social Sciences, Management, S003)
Prof. Dr. Ramunė Kalėdienė (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Public Health, M004)
Prof. Dr. Kęstutis Stašaitis (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Medicine, M001)

Dissertation defense meeting will be at Rectorate Hall of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio 73-402, Kaunas)

The doctoral dissertation is available at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (Gedimino 50, Kaunas)

Annotation: As the shift from the traditional assumption that only healthcare professionals can create new healthcare concepts occurs, patients are increasingly involved in making health-related decisions. New forms of communication and collaboration are emerging, including open health communities where knowledge sharing, transfer, and creation are not strictly defined but are increasingly influencing decision-making. By strategically forming knowledge management processes within health communities, it is possible to achieve positive outcomes for health improvement and innovative results in the healthcare sector. The main specific principle of knowledge management theory chosen for the study is knowledge transfer. This involves the transfer of knowledge from one person or group to another, often to solve specific problems or support decision-making. An empirical qualitative study revealed how knowledge management is organized, considering the diversity of information sources, and how the application of knowledge management theory can improve knowledge management, particularly transfer processes in open health communities. The empirical study defined the characteristics of knowledge transfer processes in open health communities, identifying enabling factors that promote knowledge circulation and co-creation. Based on the study results, a knowledge transfer model for open health communities was developed, along with recommendations. The prepared knowledge transfer model can serve as a foundation for open health communities to expand their innovative activities.