Mobilizing information infrastructure, shaping patient‐centred care
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 1 June 2010
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to explore the challenges and transformations in healthcare resulting from building information infrastructures for patient‐centred care.
Design/methodology/approach
Four types of information infrastructures are analysed with special attention given to the efforts and controversies related to their mobilization and to their consequences for patient‐centred care. Data are gathered through a literature review and by empirical research.
Findings
The development of information infrastructures for patient‐centred care requires mobilization of technical, legal, clinical and ethical standards as well as a change in organizational and professional boundaries. Furthermore, the mobilization of information infrastructures entails unexpected transformation in the nature of patients, professionals, health records and consultations.
Practical implications
Patient‐centred information infrastructures call for institutional innovation and decision making regarding basic structures and relationships in healthcare. At the same time, the ambitions of patient‐centred care should be broad enough to learn from the consequences of emerging infrastructures for the patient and professional identities and for the quality of care.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the understanding of healthcare governance by conceptualizing and empirically exploring the role of information infrastructure as a formative part of patient‐centred care.
Keywords
Citation
Vikkelsø, S. (2010), "Mobilizing information infrastructure, shaping patient‐centred care", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 340-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551011047233
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited