The need for rich theory to realise the vision of healthcare network centric operations: the case for combining ANT and social network analysis.

Abstract

In a dynamic and complex global environment traditional approaches to healthcare delivery are becoming more and more inadequate. To address this von Lubitz and Wickramasinghe (2006) proffered the need for a networkcentric approach that allows free and rapid sharing of information and effective knowledge building required for the development of coherent objectives and their rapid attainment. However, to realize this vision it is essential to have rich theory and robust approaches to analyse the levels of complexity of modern healthcare delivery. This paper discusses how this might be done by drawing upon the strong rich analysis tools and techniques of Social Network Analysis combined with Actor Network Theory.