Exploring the implementation of a community of practice within the provincial chronic disease management team, Alberta Health Services

Abstract

This organizational leadership thesis explored the implementation of a community of practice (CoP) within the Provincial Chronic Disease Management (CDM) team, Alberta Health Services (AHS). This inquiry adhered to research ethics policies of Royal Roads University and the Community Research Ethics Board of Alberta. Applying an appreciative stance within an action research methodology, this inquiry examined how a CoP could facilitate knowledge sharing. Understandings and experiences of CoPs were examined through interviews with AHS Knowledge Management employees. A focus group focused on how the Decision Support and Evaluation Leads of the Provincial CDM Team perceived the potential role of a CoP for the purposes of knowledge sharing and the necessary supports needed for the implementation of a CoP. The following recommendations emerged and were presented to the organization: encourage a learning culture that values relationships and networks, develop a strategy for the implementation of a CoP, and enhance leadership knowledge.