Where Superman is not on staff--on implementation and lacking feedback.
Computer systems tend to deliver less than promised. In this article we investigate mechanisms that contribute to this gap through a computer system supposed to facilitate discharge planning. The aim of this system is to increase efficiency and quality, and make information exchange safer. We do the investigation from the perspective of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and skill acquisition. We find that information tends to be hindered from entering the system, rather than ending up in the wrong places as the case was before. Further knowledge that earlier was gleaned from person to person interaction is missing out. Despite being sparse and limited, the information stored in the system is sufficient to enable action. We therefore see that one risk is exchanged for another. In total, patient safety might suffer, and hence staff ought to compensate for this. This in turn reduces efficiency and hence also the promised gain from the system.
Stokken
Roar
R
Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management, NTNU, Trondheim. macroars@me.com
Gabrielsson-Järhult
Felicia
F
D019090:Case Management; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017751:Safety Management; D013548:Sweden