Abstract

ALVAREZ ACEVES, Mariana  and  DEMUNER FLORES, María del Rosario. Social capital and use of the knowledge in the health sector: a narrative review of the literature. Rev. cuba. inf. cienc. salud [online]. 2017, vol.28, n.4, pp.1-13. ISSN 2307-2113.

In the health sector, gaps persist between scientific knowledge´s production and its use for decision-making; and these gaps compromise the quality of provided care. These gaps have been related to different factors, including social capital. This paper explores the role of social capital in the use of knowledge in the health sector. To do so, a review of the literature of the last twenty years was conducted. Among the main findings, three dimensions of social capital (i.e. structural capital, relational capital and cognitive capital) have been theoretically related to knowledge use and management; and social capital is highlighted as a significant predictor of evidence-based practice. Encouraging trust and strengthening communication links among employees, as well as seeking relationships with researchers have the potential to foster scientific knowledge use in decision-making. These actions can be translated into benefits for final health system´s users.

Keywords : social capital; evidence-based practice; knowledge management; knowledge use; decision-making.

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