How an Actor Network Theory (ANT) analysis can help us to understand the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) in Australia.

Abstract

Australia has designed, developed, and now implemented its national e-health solution known as the Personally Controlled Electronic Healthcare Record (PCEHR). This is a unique system as it subscribes to a shared governance model between patients and providers. To date though, as with other national e-health solutions, there is poor uptake and much concern regarding the success of this multi-million dollar project. The authors contend that while these implementations and adoptions of e-health solutions are necessary, it is essential that an appropriate lens of analysis should be used in order to maximise and sustain the benefits of Information Systems / Information Technology (IS/IT) in healthcare delivery. Hence in this chapter, the authors proffer Actor Network Theory (ANT) as an appropriate lens to evaluate these various e-health solutions and illustrate in the context of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR), the chosen e-health solution for Australia.