This project explores the introduction of new applications for ICT in health care delivery, following two ‘telemedicine’ projects (live broadband links for ultrasound and CTG between midwives and obstetricians and an e-mail clinic for paediatric eczema) and two new information systems in health care (an integrated electronic patient record and an electronic booking system allowing GPs to book appointments directly for hospital interventions).

This project explores the introduction of new applications for ICT in health care delivery, following two ‘telemedicine’ projects (live broadband links for ultrasound and CTG between midwives and obstetricians and an e-mail clinic for paediatric eczema) and two new information systems in health care (an integrated electronic patient record and an electronic booking system allowing GPs to book appointments directly for hospital interventions). Our findings show how the outcome of ICT interventions are shaped by established organizational and professional practices and – in turn – how such interventions can transform such working practices. In addition, we have focussed on the increasing importance of IT expertise in the organization of health care and our findings suggest the emergence of a new ‘third force’ in the familiar managerial/professional dynamic.

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Please contact Susan Halford: susan.halford@bristol.ac.uk.