Title: Understanding an electronic medical records system implementation through the punctuated equilibrium lens

Authors: Jennifer Gonzalez-Reinhart

Addresses: Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, 334 Melcher Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA

Abstract: For many years, organisational literature has focused on answering the numerous questions surrounding organisational change. This case study will apply Gersick|s (1991) adaptation of punctuated equilibrium for understanding the change process within the context of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system implementation. The punctuated equilibrium model depicts system changes as alternating equilibrium periods, only allowing for incremental change; and revolution periods, whereby the structure is changed fundamentally. By examining these stages of the punctuated equilibrium model, the hope is to further the understanding of how to manage a change process by highlighting one organisation|s successful implementation of an EMR system.

Keywords: EMRs; electronic medical records; punctuated equilibrium; organisational change; deep structure; equilibrium period; revolutionary period; electronic health records; EHRs; change management; e-health; electronic healthcare; healthcare technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2010.033276

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.11 No.1/2, pp.79 - 95

Published online: 16 May 2010 *

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