Digitaliseringen av den kirurgiska vården. En effektiv organisation eller rörigt kaos?

Abstract

The digitization in the Swedish health care sector is rapidly growing. This study investigates whether the digitalization in health care has led to higher quality and an increased value for patients. Interviews with staff in various health care professional categories were conducted to qualitatively study how the implementation of digitization is perceived in practice by those directly involved. Furthermore, an observation was made, where a doctor was followed duringa workday to study the different digitalization software tools that are being used. Previous studies and other relevant literature accompanied the study of digitalization in health care. Organizational theories were compared with the practical organization management at the studied health care organization, as well as their dependence on other authorities and companies. The results show that almost all paper documentation has been replaced with digital tools. The aspiration of achieving financial gains by digitization has not yet been fulfilled. However, health care has been more accessible and more effective. The introduction of qualityregisters has also resulted in higher quality in many specialties. Further studies are needed to evaluate which digital tools are effective and which administrative tasks can be reduced. The impact on social interaction in the workplace also needs to be studied because of the increasing digital communication among staff and patients.