Collaboration of Health Care Workers in Cancer Treatment in Botswana

This study examines how knowledge is being shared in collaborative cancer treatment environments between healthcare providers in Botswana. The key research question investigates the nature of knowledge sharing during collaboration in cancer treatment, specifically exploring whether collaborations promote knowledge sharing, identifying barriers to knowledge exchange, and examining strategies for enhancement. This question is critical given Botswana's high cancer mortality rates (approximately 75%) and the need to optimize collaborative partnerships with international organizations to improve patient outcomes. The research employed a qualitative case study approach within an interpretivist paradigm, utilizing the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization) model as theory. In-depth interviews with 22 healthcare practitioners across six institutions, including nurses, physicians, laboratory staff, and program managers involved in cancer treatment collaborations were conducted. Thematic analysis method was used to identify themes within the data. Among notable findings were 'constrained internalization', where people had access to new knowledge and understanding but were unable to apply the knowledge due to the availability of resources or manpower, systemic barriers, which suggest demotivating factors such as language barriers or inadequate system governance and absence had a differential impact across professional categories. The study findings indicated that the partnership architecture determines knowledge transfer effectiveness, with academic partnerships having the highest conversion of knowledge across all four phases of the SECI model through virtual tumour boards and formal training programs, compared to bilateral government partnerships, which relied primarily on face-to-face socialization but struggled with knowledge retention after specialists departed. Specific recommendations include implementing mandatory language proficiency requirements for international specialists, establishing structured mentorship programs, developing bidirectional exchange opportunities, and creating centralized coordination mechanisms to prevent duplication of efforts. The research contributes novel theoretical insights about partnership-specific knowledge transfer patterns and provides practical frameworks for optimizing collaborative design in resource-constrained healthcare settings with implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health and partnerships.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Moshashane, Gosaitse

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Le Roux, Daniel

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136142

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136142