ICT and changing work practice

ICT and changing work practice

ICT and changing work practice

ICT and changing working practices

A multi-method approach will measure current ICT impact on workforce practices and develop and test new models of ICT use which support innovations in work practice. The research will focus on three large-scale commercial ICT systems being adopted in UK and other countries: computerised ordering systems, ambulatory electronic medical record systems, and emergency medicine information systems. We will measure and analyse each system's role in supporting five key attributes of work practice innovation: changes in professionals' roles and responsibilities; integration of best practice into routine care; safe care practices; team-based care delivery; and active involvement of consumers in care. (Gruman, Galen 2008)

Background

The promise

Health systems globally are facing increasing demands for highly sophisticated services, yet they have limited resources and current and projected shortages of health professionals. In OECD countries the costs of healthcare delivery are rising, fuelled by ageing populations, more complex care and new medical technologies. In UK, for example, health is already one of the most expensive sectors of the economy, at 9.3% of GDP and by 2045 this allocation is predicted to rise to at least 16% One of the single most important challenges for health systems, then, is to establish new models of service delivery which increase capacity and provide rapid, safe, effective and affordable health care, and do so sustainably, within health workforce and resource constraints. A key strategy being advanced to meet this challenge is increased use of information and communication technologies (ICT). (Gruman, Galen 2008)

Global expenditure on ICT across all sectors exceeds $US3.5 trillion (2007 estimates) and is being driven by the desire for improvements in productivity, work practices and service outcomes. Seeking the productivity gains and improved service outcomes evident in other industries, developed health systems such as those of the US, Canada and UK are increasingly investing in ICT.

The role of ICT on our everyday life

Studies have shown that the use of ICT in the health sector is capable of increasing efficiency, reducing errors, supporting more team-based care, improving integration of best practice into routine care, enabling consumers to engage more actively in their care, and producing more efficient services through changes in professional roles and responsibilities. However, this has been demonstrated only in exemplar organisations and isolated projects. Evidence of large-scale changes in work practices, supported by ICT use, is lacking. Information to date suggests that despite the rapid increase in ICT investment, uptake has been slow and the benefits fewer than expected. Further, cases have emerged in which ICT has produced unexpected and negative effects in efficiency and safety.

Approaches to ICT implementation used in other industries have had limited success in the health sector. This is due in part to the sector's unique organisational and workforce characteristics. Healthcare organisations are complex]. The major professional groups have high levels of autonomy], are tribal in their behavioursand operate in hierarchical structures. Work is highly specialised and work processes ...