Impact of knowledge management on job satisfaction and organizational performance among healthcare employees: A structural equation modeling approach

Abstract Background and Aims Organizational knowledge management (KM) involves creating, preserving, and sharing employees' knowledge. This approach can enhance efficiency, improve performance, and boost job satisfaction (JS) throughout all aspects of the organization. This research aimed to investigate the effect of three variables of KM, JS, and organizational performance (OP) on the employees of the Health and Treatment Network in Haji Abad City. Methods A study was conducted with 211 employees, such as physicians, nurses, and technicians. These employees worked in various sections, such as hospitals, health centers, rural centers, and emergency centers within the Health and Treatment Network of Haji Abad City. Newman and Kenard's KM, Hersey and Goldsmith's OP, and Smith, Kendall & Hulin's Job Satisfaction Questionnaires were used. The statistical software LISREL 8.8 was used to conduct structural equation modeling (SEM). Results The results indicate that the structural equation models had a good fit. Significant positive relationships exist between KM processes (creation, retention, and application) and JS. No significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS. The coefficient obtained from SEM between knowledge retention and OP was 0.74, indicating a strong and direct correlation between the two variables. The standardized coefficients for the relationship between knowledge creation and retention and JS were 0.45 and 0.33, respectively. This indicates a positive and direct effect of knowledge creation and retention on JS. All KM processes positively predict OP. Conclusion The research model had a good fit, and the KM processes had a positive effect on performance and JS. However, no significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS among employees in the Health and Treatment Network. More research is needed to identify mediating variables and factors influencing this phenomenon in healthcare centers

Needlestick and sharps injuries among housekeeping workers in hospitals of Shiraz, Iran

Abstract Background Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) are one of the major risk factors for blood-borne infections (BBPs) at healthcare facilities. This study examines the current prevalence of NSSIs among housekeeping workers engaged in the handling and disposal of biomedical waste (BMW) at government and private hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, and furthermore, explores strategies for preventing these injuries. Findings Using a cross-sectional study design, NSSI's and associated protective measures for housekeeping workers throughout hospitals in Shiraz were evaluated from 2009 onwards. Using a questionnaire, data was collected for 92 workers who had engaged directly with BMW. Data was analyzed using Chi-square, student t-test and where appropriate, SPSS version 12. 90.2 % of housekeeping workers were warned of the dangers associated with waste, 87.5 % in government and 93.2 % in private hospitals (P = 0.0444). 83.7 % had attended educational programs on biomedical waste (BMW) management and injury prevention at their hospital in the preceding year. 16.3 % had not been trained in biomedical waste management (P = 0.0379) and 88.9 % had a sufficient supply of safety wear. Conclusions NSSIs are a common risk factor for infection among health care workers within hospitals in Iran. For the effective prevention of these injuries, health boards and hospital trusts need to formulate strategies to improve the working conditions of health care workers, discourage the excessive use of injections, and increase their adherence to universal precautions.</p

Feasibility of electrochemical oxidation process for treatment of saline wastewater

Background: High concentration of salt makes biological treatment impossible due to bacterial plasmolysis. The present research studies the process of electrochemical oxidation efficiency and optimal levels as important factors affecting pH, salt concentration, reaction time and applied voltage. Methods: The sample included graphite electrodes with specifications of 2.5 cm diameter and 15 cm height using a reactor with an optimum capacity of 1 L. Sixty samples were obtained with the aid of the experiments carried out in triplicates for each factor at 5 different levels. The entire experiments were performed based on standard methods for water and waste water treatments. Results: Analysis of variance carried out on effect of pH, salt concentration, reaction time and flow intensity in elimination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) showed that they are significant factors affecting this process and reduce COD with a coefficient interval of 95% and test power of 80%. Scheffe test showed that at optimal level, a reaction time of 1 hour, 10 g/L concentration, pH = 9 and 15 V electrical potential difference were obtained. Conclusion: Waste waters containing salt may contribute to the electro-oxidation process due to its cations and anions. Therefore, the process of electrochemical oxidation with graphite electrodes could be a proper strategy for the treatment of saline wastewater where biological treatment is not possible