• TUCS Publication Series
• How to Publish in TUCS Series
• Publication Search
• Publication Graph
• Publication Input
• Publication Input Guide
• JuFo Browser

Transforming Work Practices in a Complex Environment

Riikka Vuokko, Helena Karsten, Transforming Work Practices in a Complex Environment. In: E. Davidson C. Middleton M. Barrett, . J. I. deGross (Eds.). Boston (Eds.), Information Technology in the Service Economy: Challenges and Possibilities for the 21st Century, 143–158, Springer, 2008.

Abstract:

Nursing work is intertwined with a number of technologies. This paper
explores the work practices in a pediatric intensive care unit, and
discusses some possible directions for introducing new technologies.
Work in intensive care is approached as a set of complex and networked
practices that are characterized by dynamism and reflexivity of situated
action. We observed how, in the intensive care unit, the emerging issues
and complexity of organizational action are anticipated with situational
adaptability and self-ordering of action. Although the nurses are
capable of adapting to rapidly changing situations, at the same time,
the nursing practices are bounded by the situational rationalities,
such as the information available on the patient. With new technologies,
we see several opportunities for change in time-place arrangements,
in coordination and communication practices, and in information sharing
practices. The roles and tasks of the various actants may reformulate,
and thereby possibly their skills and professional identities as well.
All of this will take place when work practices, new technologies, and
care processes are negotiated and made irreversible through the actions
of the participants.

Files:

Full publication in PDF-format

BibTeX entry:

@INBOOK{cVuKa08a,
  title = {Transforming Work Practices in a Complex Environment},
  booktitle = {Information Technology in the Service Economy: Challenges and Possibilities for the 21st Century},
  author = {Vuokko, Riikka and Karsten, Helena},
  editor = {M. Barrett, E. Davidson C. Middleton and J. I. deGross (Eds.). Boston, .},
  publisher = {Springer},
  pages = {143–158},
  year = {2008},
  keywords = {work practices, intensive care, nursing, actor-network theory, complexity},
}

Belongs to TUCS Research Unit(s): Zeta Emerging Technologies

Publication Forum rating of this publication: level 2

Edit publication