The importance of knowledge transfer between specialist and generic services in improving health care:: A cross-national study of dementia care in England and The Netherlands

Knowledge transfer (KT) between specialist and generic services is widely seen as an important strategy for improving the quality of integrated dementia care. This article elaborates on intra- and inter-organizational features associated with successful KT. A provisional conceptual framework is suggested, based on literature about inter-organizational networks and knowledge management. Professional and organizational cultures, domain perceptions, perceived dependency and the availability of resources are suggested as significant influences upon the motivation and perceived capacity to engage in KT. Personal and organizational continuity is identified as an important process quality. Data from four local case studies in England and The Netherlands are used to develop and specify the provisional framework. A conceptual model is built to explain the relative success or failure of KT. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.