Title: An interpretative evaluation of a healthcare intranet

Authors: Ela Klecun, Tony Cornford

Addresses: Department of Information Systems, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE, UK. ' Department of Information Systems, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St, London WC2A 2AE, UK

Abstract: The evaluation of information systems and health information systems in particular, is recognised as a complex and challenging activity. There is no agreement on a ||best way|| to evaluate, on what and how to evaluate, who to involve and within what paradigm to proceed. This paper argues that evaluation is a situated activity that requires a more interpretative approach, broadly based on hermeneutic principles. The paper reviews a number of guidelines and frameworks for evaluation presented in the medical and information systems literature, focusing on two related approaches: the context, process and content framework, and structure, process and outcome framework. A synthesis of these were used in the case study described – the evaluation of an intranet pilot deployment within primary care. The literature review and research experience (including the case study) form the basis for a set of general recommendations presented in the conclusion section.

Keywords: telehealth; evaluation; healthcare intranets; information systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2003.004163

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.5 No.6, pp.407 - 421

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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