Table 3.

A classification of knowledge encounters: how the knowledge is encountered (facets, descriptions and examples)

How encountered	Description	Examples from included studies
Verbal communication	Through voice either face-to-face or via a medium, such as a telephone	Informal conversation with colleagues, telephone hotline to specialist
Written format	Through print either in paper or electronic form	Company literature, textbooks
Visual	Through observation either directly or through some form of print or electronic medium	Video
Haptic	Through touch	The patient’s body
Olfactory	Through smell	Reading the patient using senses (smell, listening, watching, touch)
Internal reflection	Through conscious exploration of personal thoughts and experiences	Nurses’ known explorations