Constructing safety: system designs, system effects, and the play of heterogeneous interests in a behavioral health care setting.
OBJECTIVE
This paper considers the utility of actor-network theory as a basis for uncovering the mutual interdependencies between system design and system impact in an evolving project, and for exploring the implications that these interdependencies hold for the production of safety in behavioral health care.


METHODS
Drawing on a field study of a systems project in a human-services firm, the paper applies key concepts from actor-network theory in the analysis of a design crisis that emerged during the course of the project.


RESULTS
Actor-network theory provides a compelling framework in this situation for identifying the diverse interests involved, revealing their complex interactions, and illuminating the importance of the emerging system as an organizational actor in its own right.


CONCLUSIONS
Actor-network theory shows promise for use in other analyses concerned with the role of information technology in the construction of safety in health care settings.
Ramiller
Neil C
NC
School of Business Administration, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA. neilr@sba.pdx.edu
D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017751:Safety Management; D012985:Software Design; D014481:United States