Test the artefact--develop the organization. The implementation of an electronic medication plan

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Sociology of Health
• Information Systems in Healthcare

Background:

• Healthcare organizations face challenges integrating new information technology (IT).
• A trial implementation of an electronic medication plan (EMP) was conducted in three Danish hospitals.
• A sociotechnical perspective was used to analyze the implementation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gain insights into the implementation of IT in healthcare settings.
• To describe findings from a trial implementation of a new electronic medication plan (EMP).
• To analyze the interplay between technology and work processes in a hospital environment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methods were employed.
• Participant observation was used to gather data.
• Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• Successful IT implementation requires achieving a fit between technology and healthcare work processes.
• Establishing new organizational structures that transcend traditional hospital divisions is crucial.
• Detailed alignment of IT artefacts, functionality, and existing work processes is necessary.

Conclusions:

• The integration of IT in healthcare necessitates organizational restructuring and precise alignment of technology with work practices.
• Supporting informal 'communities of practice' among engaged clinicians can facilitate successful IT implementation.
• A sociotechnical perspective provides a valuable framework for analyzing IT implementation in complex healthcare settings.