Assessing Electronic Clinical Audit information Systems Using Activity Theory

Abstract

Information systems are increasingly being implemented in many healthcare service provision areas including clinical, business service, administration and management. These systems are often introduced to hospitals with a view to supporting care delivery and improving care quality, safety, and efficiency. However, it is not always the case that the full benefits of these systems are realized. This paper reports on a research-in-progress that is designed to assess an electronic clinical audit information system in an Australian not-for-profit tertiary private healthcare system. Activity Theory is used to inform the study and thereby enable a deeper understanding around the key relationships between various stakeholders as well as the system itself.