The Travel to the Hidden Lives of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Nina Boulus

Publikation: Konference artikel i Proceeding eller bog/rapport kapitelKonferenceabstrakt i proceedingsForskning

Abstract

Over the last years, we have been witnessing the spread of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the healthcare sector, where ICTs have often been seen as magic formulas that can be applied to achieve better healthcare. Consequently, various initiatives are being taken in the name of efficiency and cost reduction, and the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) is prominent among these. There is an increasing focus on standardization, evidence-based medicine, and patient self-care. While, EMRs have reached the stage where various benefits are expected to accrue, however, a sociotechnical approach to the hidden lives of electronic records, reveal multiple contingencies and ambiguities. The transformation to a so-called digital realm brings along various benefits, but it also poses new challenges. For instance, increased access and data sharing across professional borders raises various ethical and legal issues concerning privacy and confidentiality of information. In this study, I will follow the hidden lives of the EMRs in six Community Health Centres in British Columbia, Canada (focusing primarily on one clinic). This will allow me to explore the invisible layers behind such a transition, and shed a light at the challenges and complexities that are faced before and after the actual implementation. I will look at how electronic records impact existing work practices, and how do they participate in redefining roles and responsibilities between the various healthcare professionals. The aim is to elucidate the ambiguities of these technologies and thereby capture the tension between the visible and the hidden lives, as well as the envisioned and the existing reality.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TitelSociety for Social Studies of Science
Publikationsdato2005
StatusUdgivet - 2005
Udgivet eksterntJa
BegivenhedSociety for Social Studies of Science (4S) 27th Conference: THE REPRESENTATION OF CONTROVERSIAL OBJECTS: NEW METHODS OF DISPLAYING THE UNRULY AND THE ANOMALOUS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES - Pasadena, California, USA
Varighed: 20 okt. 200522 okt. 2005
Konferencens nummer: 27th
http://www.4sonline.org/meeting/05

Konference

KonferenceSociety for Social Studies of Science (4S) 27th Conference
Nummer27th
Land/OmrådeUSA
ByPasadena, California
Periode20/10/200522/10/2005
Internetadresse

Emneord

  • Information Communication Technologies
  • Healthcare
  • Electronic Medical Records
  • Sociotechnical Approach
  • Privacy and Confidentiality

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