Data work: A condition for integrations in health care

Integration and interoperability between different information and communication technology (ICT) systems are crucial for efficient treatment and care in hospitals. In this article, we are particularly interested in the daily local work conducted by health-care personnel to maintain integrations. A...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Informatics Journal
Main Authors: Bjørnstad, Camilla Hilda, Ellingsen, Gunnar
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Sage 2019
Subjects:
VDP::Medical disciplines: 700::Health sciences: 800::Occupational health: 809
VDP::Medisinske Fag: 700::Helsefag: 800::Yrkesmedisin: 809
Norway
Northern Norway
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10037/17223
https://doi.org/10.1177/1460458219833114
Description
Summary:Integration and interoperability between different information and communication technology (ICT) systems are crucial for efficient treatment and care in hospitals. In this article, we are particularly interested in the daily local work conducted by health-care personnel to maintain integrations. A principal aim of our article is, therefore, to contribute to a sociotechnical understanding of the “data work” that is embedded in the integration of health-care systems. Theoretically, we draw on the concepts of “information infrastructures” and “articulation work,” and we discuss how social status may influence the invisible articulation work. Furthermore, we show how historical decisions and existing systems both nationally and regionally have impacts on the daily work of local actors. Empirically, we have studied the formative stages of a large-scale electronic medication management system project in the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority.

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