title: Constructing safety: system designs, system effects, and the play of heterogeneous interests in a behavioral health care setting.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Business Administration, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA. neilr@sba.pdx.edu
authors.forename: Neil C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Ramiller
mesh_terms: D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017751:Safety Management; D012985:Software Design; D014481:United States