INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTH-CARE - TENSION AND CHANGE IN THE UK NATIONAL-HEALTH-SERVICE

In this paper, we consider the themes of 'risk' and 'vulnerability' with reference both to current debates in social science concerning information technology (IT), and to our own research on IT development and use within the UK National Health Service (NHS). In connection with the latter, we focus in particular on a recent central government initiative ('Resource Management'), within which new information systems are intended to underpin a transition towards medical and nursing involvement in management processes. We identify some general areas of risk associated with these processes, and illustrate these and a range of responses to them - with reference to research carried out in one major UK region.