Abstract

Introduction: The emergence of mobile instant messaging (MIM) based virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) has provided new opportunities for nurses to share their knowledge and promote collaborative learning. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the factors influencing nurses' participation in knowledge-sharing within MIM-based VCoPs. Material and methods: This is a qualitative study conducted in Tehran, Iran, between April 2017 and July 2018. The participants were 18 nurses that selected through purposeful sampling technique; then, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Data was analyzed using conventional content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Accordingly, all interviews were transcribed and read several times; then, meaning units were identified from the transcribed text based on the aim of the study and codes were extracted from them. Finally, the codes were classified into categories and themes. Results: A total of 26 sub-categories, seven categories, and two themes were extracted. Motivations for nurses' participating in knowledge-sharing activities within MIM-based VCoPs included the theme "Stimuli for professional interactions" with three categories: "The individual drives", "Attractive interactive environment", and "User-friendly media". On the other hand, participation barriers included the theme "Impediments for professional interactions" with four categories of "Individual hindrances", "Social harm", "Unprofessional interactive environment" and "Undesirable media". Conclusion: The findings of this exploratory study indicated that individual, social and technological factors as well as factors associated with the virtual-community interactive environment could influence nurses' participation in knowledge-sharing within MIM-based VcoPs as motivations and barriers. The insights obtained from this study can be a guide for administrators and educators in the nursing profession to facilitate and enhance nurses' participation in knowledge-sharing within MIM-based VCoPs by strengthening motivations and minimizing barriers.