Digital knowledge dissemination: The Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery community of practice.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze a community of practice, the Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery (GANM), and illustrate the evolution and sustainability of a virtual community of practice aimed at enhancing knowledge acquisition and dissemination.

Methods: Retrospective content analysis of data gathered from the online tracking of GANM's community activities, engagement data, and platform logistics was conducted and analyzed.

Results: The GANM hosts a diverse community of over 4 300 members from 160 countries. Members benefit from opportunities for knowledge sharing, access to evidence-based tools and materials, and the ability to engage in a creative space for asking questions, discussing current issues, networking, and forming collaborative professional relationships. The discussion forum is frequently used for disseminating new information about evidence-based practice and announcing educational opportunities.

Conclusions: Through a wide variety of activities, the GANM engages a diverse community and provides an opportunity for nurses, midwives, and allied healthcare professionals around the world to network, engage in discussions, and build collective knowledge. The development of future communities of practice can be guided by existing evidence and the GANM's collective experiences, to maintain and enhance community engagement and prevent dormancy.