The multidimensional systemic representation of actor networks: modelling breast cancer treatment decision-making

This paper explores how the soft information systems and technologies methodology (SISTeM) and actor network theory may be combined to address real world problematisations that lead to integrated human/machine interventions in the real world. An important component of this is the need for a modeling language for the multidimensional systemic representation of actor networks. The dimensions include human/machine activities, the information systems and technologies, clinical competencies, psychosocial relationships and power/politics. A scenario focusing on breast cancer treatment decision-making is used to illustrate the need for such a multidimensional modeling language and integrated interventions.

[1]  Marc Berg,et al.  Rationalizing Medical Work: Decision-support Techniques and Medical Practices , 2022 .

[2]  John Law,et al.  Notes on the theory of the actor-network: Ordering, strategy, and heterogeneity , 1992 .

[3]  H. Maturana,et al.  Autopoiesis and Cognition : The Realization of the Living (Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Scie , 1980 .

[4]  M. Callon Some Elements of a Sociology of Translation: Domestication of the Scallops and the Fishermen of St Brieuc Bay , 1984 .

[5]  C. Atkinson,et al.  Transforming a hospital through growing, not building, an electronic patient record system. , 1998, Methods of information in medicine.

[6]  Kalle Lyytinen,et al.  Information systems failures—a survey and classification of the empirical literature , 1988 .

[7]  Anna Sidorova,et al.  Unearthing Some Causes of BPR Failure: An Actor-Network Theory Perspective , 2000 .

[8]  J Barker,et al.  Breast cancer: giving women a more proactive role. , 1998, Nursing times.

[9]  J. Emanuel,et al.  Patient no more: the politics of breast cancer , 1997 .

[10]  L. Fallowfield,et al.  Offering choice of surgical treatment to women with breast cancer. , 1997, Patient education and counseling.

[11]  J. Law A Sociology of monsters: Essays on power, technology, and domination , 1991 .

[12]  Kate Soper,et al.  Putting Humpty Together Again: Essays toward Integrative Analysis@@@The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act@@@Power/Knowledge: Selected Interviews & Other Writings 1972-1977 , 1982 .

[13]  M Levy Breast cancer treatment alternatives: the patient decision-making process. , 1986, Health values.

[14]  Lucas D. Introna Management, Information and Power , 1997 .

[15]  M. Callon Techno-economic Networks and Irreversibility , 1990 .

[16]  Peter Checkland,et al.  Soft Systems Methodology in Action , 1990 .

[17]  B. Latour Science in Action , 1987 .

[18]  G. Walsham Actor-network theory and IS research: current status and future prospects , 1997 .

[19]  K. Knorr-Cetina,et al.  Advances in social theory and methodology : toward an integration of micro- and macro-sociologies , 1981 .

[20]  Peter Checkland,et al.  Systems Thinking, Systems Practice , 1981 .

[21]  Brian P. Bloomfield,et al.  Machines and manoeuvres: Responsibility accounting and the construction of hospital information systems , 1992 .

[22]  C Williamson,et al.  Breast cancer: asking patients what they want , 1996, BMJ.

[23]  Kalle Lyytinen,et al.  Information systems development and data modelling: conceptual and philosophical foundations , 1995 .

[24]  B. Latour Technology is Society Made Durable , 1990 .

[25]  B. Latour,et al.  Power, Action and Belief. A New Sociology of Knowledge? , 1986 .

[26]  David E. Avison,et al.  Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools , 1988 .

[27]  Ann Oakley,et al.  Women's Views of Breast Cancer Treatment and Research , 1994 .

[28]  Christopher J. Atkinson,et al.  The ‘Soft Information Systems and Technologies Methodology’ (SISTeM): an actor network contingency approach to integrated development , 2000, Eur. J. Inf. Syst..