Effective Knowledge Management in Projects: Characteristics and Integration

The integration of effective Knowledge Management (KM) in projects is founded on numerous factors. These factors include available resources, KM tools, leadership, organizational culture, and project objectives and goals among others. It is very important to set priorities for these considerations and factors in order to ensure effective KM integration into projects. Despite the fact that Project Knowledge Management (PKM) is characterized by numerous beneficial implications, it is also associated with risks. These risks include potential delays in project implementation and budget deficits. The Project Knowledge Management Life Cycle (PKMLC) includes five main stages: the knowledge creation, knowledge storage, knowledge dissemination, knowledge learning, and knowledge improvement. Each phase is essential towards the attainment of overall efficiency in the integration of KM into projects. Keywords: Knowledge Management (KM); Project Knowledge Management Life Cycle (PKMLC); Project Knowledge Management (PKM); Project Knowledge Management Integration (PKMI); Project Knowledge Management Risks and Mitigations; Project Knowledge Management Tools and Techniques.

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic

Technology Acceptance in Healthcare: A Systematic Review

Understanding the factors affecting the use of healthcare technologies is a crucial topic that has been extensively studied, specifically during the last decade. These factors were studied using different technology acceptance models and theories. However, a systematic review that offers extensive understanding into what affects healthcare technologies and services and covers distinctive trends in large-scale research remains lacking. Therefore, this review aims to systematically review the articles published on technology acceptance in healthcare. From a yield of 1768 studies collected, 142 empirical studies have met the eligibility criteria and were extensively analyzed. The key findings confirmed that TAM and UTAUT are the most prevailing models in explaining what affects the acceptance of various healthcare technologies through different user groups, settings, and countries. Apart from the core constructs of TAM and UTAUT, the results showed that anxiety, computer self-efficacy, innovativeness, and trust are the most influential factors affecting various healthcare technologies. The results also revealed that Taiwan and the USA are leading the research of technology acceptance in healthcare, with a remarkable increase in studies focusing on telemedicine and electronic medical records solutions. This review is believed to enhance our understanding through a number of theoretical contributions and practical implications by unveiling the full potential of technology acceptance in healthcare and opening the door for further research opportunities

Toward an Integrated Model for Examining the Factors Affecting the Acceptance of Queue Management Solutions in Healthcare

Despite the previous article on technology adoption and the importance of users’ intention to use various technologies in healthcare, users’ acceptance of queue management solutions (QMS) has rarely been measured. The key driver for this article is to evaluate the constructs that have an influence on the acceptance of QMS in the healthcare domain. To achieve this purpose, this article proposes an integrated model based on the integration of various constructs extracted from different theoretical models, including the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), technology acceptance model (TAM), and social cognitive theory (SCT) along with trust and innovativeness as external factors. The data were collected using an online questionnaire survey from 242 healthcare professionals. The structural equation modeling technique has been employed to validate the model. In general, the results exposed that the suggested model has explained 66.5% of the total variance in the behavioral intention to use QMS. The proposed model is believed to be helpful in exploring the acceptance of other information technologies in the healthcare domain, and the results can provide valuable knowledge to managers and decision-makers in healthcare organizations

Assessing the Intention to Adopt Cloud Accounting during COVID-19

The information technology (IT) revolutionization aside with the emergence of COVID-19 have catalyzed cloud-computing services and systems with multiple end-user benefits for online business management, specifically in the accounting discipline. For example, cloud accounting enables the significant reduction of organisational IT investment with flexible access to a large group of scalable resources. The cloud accounting enables small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to independently engage in fundamental bookkeeping responsibilities rather than hiring external auditors for the same services. As cloud-based accounting adoption remains in the preliminary stage within Jordanian businesses, this study applied the technology, organisation, and environment model to explore cloud accounting among Jordanian SMEs. The study data were gathered from 156 Jordanian SME owners or managers with a structured online survey questionnaire. The recommended study framework encompassed seven determinants that influenced the cloud accounting adoption intention. Resultantly, except Perceived knowledge uncertainty factor, the proposed hypotheses were supported as the aforementioned factors (relative advantages, security concerns, top management support, organizational readiness, competitor’s intensity and suppliers computing support) positively and significantly influenced the cloud accounting of Jordanian SMEs. The study outcomes could facilitate IT field decision-makers and practitioners by investigating an actual cloud accounting case based on the essentiality of its application

The Role of E-Accounting Adoption on Business Performance: The Moderating Role of COVID-19

In the last decade, information systems (ISs) have made dynamic developments in light of their ability to enhance the performances of businesses. In relation to this, an organization that is effectively and efficiently managed often displays optimum performance using financial systems such as electronic accounting (e-accounting). Thus, essentially, e-accounting is utilized for the automation of operational processes and for improving business efficiency and performance. More currently, e-accounting dynamic development has laid credence to the performance of businesses in a way that the influence cannot be exaggerated. Nevertheless, past studies evidenced that successful e-accounting depends on critical success factors, and hence this study primarily aims to conduct an evaluation of e-accounting using DeLone and McLean’s information system model (DM ISM) among firms in Jordan. More specifically, this study determines the influence of information quality, system quality, service quality, system usage, and user satisfaction on business performance. The current study adopted a quantitative method, applying a self-administered survey questionnaire for the purpose of data collection from 104 e-accounting users. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the data, and based on the findings, system quality and information quality affect system use; service quality of e-accounting had no significant impact on use, but e-accounting use had a significant influence on the satisfaction of users. Moreover, e-accounting system use and user satisfaction positively influence business performance. This study is an extension of the current IS literature, particularly of those focused on determining the effects of e-accounting benefits. This study validated the proposed model in the context of Jordanian firms and contributes to both the literature on and practice of e-accounting. This study provided implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research

Medical students’ relative immunity, or lack thereof, against COVID-19 emotional distress and psychological challenges; a descriptive study from Jordan [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Emotional distress is a major impact of COVID-19 among not only the general public but also healthcare workers including medical students. This study aimed at describing self-reported changes in emotional reactions associated with COVID-19 among medical students in Jordan and to assessing the potential effect of social media utilization on emotional distress among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data early on during the outbreak in Jordan. All medical students in Jordan were eligible to complete an online questionnaire assessing self-reported emotional reactions to COVID-19 that covered four main domains: negative emotion (anxiety, worry, depression, panic, loneliness, and nervousness), positive emotion (happiness, joy, and excitement), sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow sleep, nightmares, and insufficient sleep), and aggression (verbal argument and physical fighting). The frequency of social media utilization as a main source of COVID-19 information was also assessed. Results: 59.9% of participants were females, 64.9% were enrolled at the two major medical schools in Jordan, and 59.6% were in the pre-clinical stage (years). A significant proportion of participants self-reported increased negative emotional levels of anxiety (49.2%), worry (72.4%), depression (23.1%), panic (22.6%), and nervousness (38.2%) and decreased positive emotional levels of happiness (44.8%), joy (47.3%), and feelings of excitement (45.1%). Self-reported sleep disorders were not as common (less than 15% for any of the four items), while arguing with others was at 26.7%. Significant differences by gender and academic year were detected. Almost half of participants reported using social media as a main source of COVID-19 information “most/all-the-times” with a significant effect of such on reducing emotional distress. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential effect of COVID-19 on the emotional distress of medical students. Addressing and mitigating such effects is crucial. The potential buffering effect of social media should be further investigated

The Association of Conflict-Related Trauma with Markers of Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Women: The Role of Social Support and Post-Traumatic Growth

Background: Syrian refugee women not only suffered the refuging journey but also faced the burden of being the heads of their households in a new community. We aimed to investigate the mental health status, traumatic history, social support, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of Syrian refugee women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered survey between August and November 2019. Syrian refugee women who head their households and live outside camps were eligible. The survey included items investigating socio-demographic characteristics and conflict-related physical trauma history. The Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15) scale was used to screen for emotional distress symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a score range of 0−4 and higher scores indicating emotional distress. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to assess the perceived support from family, friends, and significant others (score range 1−7), with scores of 3−5 and 5.1−7.0 representing moderate and high support, respectively. The PTG Inventory (PTGI) scale investigated the positive transformation following trauma; the score range was 0−5, and the cutoff point of ≥3 defined moderate-to-high growth levels. Results: Out of 140 invited refugee women, 95 were included, with a response rate of 67.9%. Their mean (SD) age was 41.30 (11.75) years, 50.5% were widowed, and 17.9% reported their husbands as missing persons. High levels of conflict-related traumatic exposure were found, including threats of personal death (94.7%), physical injury (92.6%), or both (92.6%); and a history of family member death (92.6%), missing (71.6%), or injury (53.7%). The mean (SD) RHS-15 score was above average (2.08 (0.46)), and most women (90.5%) were at high risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The mean (SD) MSPSS score was 5.08 (0.71), representing moderate social support, with friends’ support being the highest (5.23 (0.85)). The mean (SD) PTGI score was 2.44 (0.48), indicating low growth, with only 12.6% of women experiencing moderate-to-high growth levels. Spiritual change and personal strength had the highest sub-scores, with moderate-to-high growth levels experienced by 97.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Most women were more optimistic and religious, had feelings of self-reliance and better difficulties adapting, and were stronger than they thought. Statistically significant correlations of MSPSS and its subscales with RHS-15 and PTGI were detected. Conclusion: Significant but unspoken mental health problems were highly prevalent among Syrian refugee women and an imminent need for psychological support to overcome traumatic exposure. The role of social support seems to be prominent and needs further investigation

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic