Mobilizing information infrastructure, shaping patient‐centred care

In: International journal of public sector management, Band 23, Heft 4, S. 340-352

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the challenges and transformations in healthcare resulting from building information infrastructures for patient‐centred care.Design/methodology/approachFour 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.FindingsThe 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 implicationsPatient‐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/valueThe 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.